Red Sox extra bases: Rafael Devers leaves two MLB managers in awe
With three home runs in the last two games, Boston Red Sox rookie Rafael Devers is proving to be the real deal.
It looks like the answer at third base for the Boston Red Sox was a player already in their system.
To some respect, the team already knew that, but they didn’t think the answer would come this soon. They also didn’t expect Rafael Devers to produce the way he has produced so far in his brief career.
The scary part is he can and will only get better.
A day after taking an Aroldis Chapman 103-mph fastball over the wall at Yankee Stadium, Devers returned home Monday night to launch two home runs at Fenway Way.
Talk about a player locked in at the plate. Despite the team losing to the Cleveland Indians 7-3, Devers still found a way to impress. The 20-year-old showed his power and versatility in his swing by golfing a 79.3-mph knuckle curve from Trevor Bauer into Indians’ bullpen.
Related Story: Rafael Devers is custom made for Fenway Park
It was quite the contrast from the game-tying homer a night before, but just as impressive according to Red Sox manager John Farrell.
"“The fact that he hit a breaking ball that was basically on his shoe tops, to hit it out of the ballpark, that’s very unique for any hitter of any age and it’s impressive,” Farrell said following the game, via Red Sox.com."
The unique quality Devers possesses isn’t just marveled at by his own manager, coaches and teammate. The young phenom has caught the attention of opposing managers like Terry Francona who knows a good young hitter when he sees one.
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"“The second [home run] the ball was going to bounce, [catcher Roberto Perez] went down to block it,” Francona said. “They got a really good young hitter that’s kind of in that zone right now.”"
The right trade was no trade
Boston Red Sox fans are thrilled the team didn’t trade the top prospect for a quick fix this season. Instead he has become the quick fix, but he was almost involved in the trade that brought Chris Sale to Boston.
The team traded Yoan Moncada to the Chicago White Sox instead and it is proving to be the right decision. Time may change that, but for now, fans as well as Devers are glad the team kept him.
"“I found out after,” Devers said in regard to the Sale trade, via WEEI. “My focus was basically to focus on what I was doing at the moment, playing well, and playing in the minors. It makes me feel good that they have confidence in me and they’re basically sending me a message that they want me to play here for however many years they see.”"
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If he continues to rake the ball like he currently is, the Boston Red Sox will keep him around well into the next decade no matter how much it will cost…we hope.