The New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants started their 2026 seasons before every other club in the first Opening Night game. Even if their teams weren't involved, baseball fans around the country tuned in to get excited for the coming campaign.
In that game, Rafael Devers didn't show the same magic against the Yankees as he used to. The former Boston Red Sox third baseman logged a single in his 2026 debut, but nothing came of it.
The next game, Devers went hitless and struck out three times. In the third game, he staved off similar early season blues to his 2025 struggles with Boston, and collected three hits, including a double.
But Devers didn't look his usual deadly self against the Yankees. Red Sox fans remember fondly the constant trips around the bases in the Bronx and the utter embarrassment of Gerrit Cole talking Devers with the bases empty (and they'll miss those moments until an equal Yankee killer emerges in Boston). Devers even greeted Aaron Judge by blowing him a kiss after his March 28 double, and Judge entertained the interaction by making fun of Devers' running speed (or lack thereof) — the rivalry vibes are officially dead.
Rafael Devers' Yankee killer streak seems to have been exclusive to the Red Sox
Rafael Devers blew a kiss to Aaron Judge after a leadoff double and Judge told him to run faster pic.twitter.com/Zi5YxaBwCe
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) March 29, 2026
Devers, when he was with the Red Sox, was one of the most prolific Yankee killers in recent memory. He'd batted .270/.348/.533 with an .880 OPS, 31 homers and 78 RBI over 199 plate appearances in his career as a Red Sox. At age 28, he was breaking records set by David Ortiz against Boston's greatest rival.
But as a Giant, he's just... average against them. Granted, he'll have many fewer games to reach his former numbers — the Red Sox and Yankees play each other in four series per year while the Giants will play them just once, and the series has already passed.
Cole also hasn't returned to game action yet after he underwent Tommy John surgery before the 2025 season. The six-time All-Star and 2023 Cy Young Award winner may as well be Devers' personal batting practice pitcher, as he has eight home runs against Cole in his career. Maybe Devers' rival attitude will be sparked again the next time they meed.
For now, though, it seems like Boston gave him the extra spark against the Yankees. Maybe Devers will transition into a Dodgers killer this year (that would be nice for everyone).