The Boston Red Sox have a future star in their third baseman, Rafael Devers. Not only is he coming into his own on the field but his love of the game is wildly infectious.
The Red Sox haven’t had very much to be optimistic about this season but one thing they should be ecstatic about is the rise of Rafel Devers. Once a prospect in the farm system, Raffy kicked in the door of the postseason last year and hasn’t looked back. He has worked tirelessly to become the everyday starting third baseman for Alex Cora.
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At just 22-years old the sky is the limit for Raffy. We can all see the potential and talent that he has on a nightly basis, but if you don’t work hard then talent can often be wasted. Luckily for the Red Sox, Devers has an incredible work ethic and looks to improve his skills as much as he can. He started the season with a rash of errors but has since locked down the hot corner.
During warmups and practices, he can often be seen working and conversing with veteran shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Though still in his mid-twenties, Bogaerts has become a sort-of mentor to Devers and the positive impact can be felt regularly. His work ethic in the field and at the plate is a direct correlation to his biggest asset, his love of the game.
Is there anyone in this game that looks like they’re having as much fun playing baseball as Rafael Devers? I’m sure there are, but it’s hard to outshine this guy when he’s on the field. Whenever he gets on base and flashes that massive grin it brings me back to playing ball with my friends and just having fun.
In all the talks of free agency, contracts, luxury tax, and every other business term in the world of baseball at its heart, it’s still a game. And that is what I think draws people to Raffy whenever he’s in the lineup. He brings such an infectious love of this game that I truly feel can be missing at times.
We as fans may be embroiled in the stress of the season, and without a doubt, the players are too, but when Raffy is on the field it’s like watching “The Sandlot.” He just wants to field grounders and smack dingers while spending the night on the field with his buddies. At its heart, there is nothing purer than baseball and Rafael Devers encompasses that very essence.
Remember back to the ALCS when Devers came to the plate with runners on and Justin Verlander on the mound, he knocked a bomb to the Crawford Boxes to give the Red Sox a 4-run lead. He would sprint around the bases with his arm in the air and a giant smile on his face.
This was the biggest game of his career and to him, he was just playing some baseball with his friends and loving every second of it. Never once did he show any sign of stage fright when the lights were the brightest.
Rafael Devers is having a career year and can be a key component to the Red Sox continuing their successful ways. With the enigmatic way that he plays the game, he will surely be a star as his career grows I for one look forward to seeing not only what he’ll do this season but for the rest of his seasons in Boston. There’s just something about how Raffy Devers plays the game that reminds me of just how great baseball can be.