Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rafael Devers

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Rafael Devers made an impact.

Rafael Devers is a professional baseball third baseman and designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox. Debuting in MLB in 2017, he quickly became a key player for the team, contributing to their 2018 World Series victory. Devers has received recognition as a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner and a three-time All-Star. Demonstrating his value to the organization, the Red Sox signed Devers to an eleven-year, $311 million contract extension before the 2023 season.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1965: Youngest Red Sox Player to Hit a Home Run Since 1965

On July 26, 2017, Rafael Devers became the youngest Red Sox player to hit a home run since Tony Conigliaro did it in 1965.

2008: Fastest Pitch Hit for a Home Run Since 2008

On August 13, 2017, Rafael Devers hit a ninth-inning game-tying home run off of Aroldis Chapman. The pitch was the fastest hit for a home run since 2008 when MLB started tracking pitch velocity.

August 2013: Signing with the Red Sox

In August 2013, the Red Sox signed 16-year-old Rafael Devers as a free agent for $1.5 million. He was considered a top international prospect.

May 31, 2014: Professional Debut

On May 31, 2014, Rafael Devers made his professional debut with the Dominican Summer League Red Sox rookie club.

2015: Joined Greenville Drive and All-Star Selection

In 2015, Rafael Devers joined the Low-Class A Greenville Drive and was selected for the South Atlantic League All-Star Game.

2016: Spring Training Invitation and Promotion to Salem Red Sox

In 2016, Rafael Devers was invited to participate in the Boston Red Sox spring training and was subsequently promoted to High-A Salem Red Sox to start the regular season.

July 24, 2017: Promotion to the Boston Red Sox

On July 24, 2017, Rafael Devers was promoted to the Boston Red Sox.

2017: MLB Debut

In 2017, Rafael Devers made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

2017: Promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket

In 2017, Rafael Devers started the season with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs and was later promoted to the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox on July 14.

2018: Postseason Performance and World Series Victory

During the 2018 postseason, Rafael Devers performed well, hitting at least three home runs before his 22nd birthday. He hit a go-ahead three-run home run in Game 5 of the ALCS, and in Game 4 of the World Series, he became the youngest player with a go-ahead RBI in the 9th inning or later. The Red Sox won the World Series, giving Devers his first championship title.

2018: Regular Third Baseman and Grand Slams

In 2018, Rafael Devers began the season as Boston's regular third baseman and hit his first career grand slam on April 18. He also hit his second grand slam on June 30 and became the youngest player to hit a grand slam in a Red Sox–Yankees game.

2018: World Series Win

In 2018, Rafael Devers won the World Series in his first full season with the Boston Red Sox.

2019: Season Stats and AL MVP Voting

In 2019, Rafael Devers finished the season with 201 hits and a .311 average, along with 54 doubles, 32 home runs, and 115 RBIs. He led the major leagues with 90 extra-base hits and 359 total bases. He finished 12th in AL MVP voting.

2019: AL Player of the Month, Heart & Hustle Award, and Records

In 2019, Rafael Devers resumed his role as Boston's regular third baseman. On June 3, he was named the AL Player of the Month for May. In mid-July, Devers was named Boston's 2019 Heart & Hustle Award winner. On August 13, Devers recorded six hits in a game and his four doubles made him the only player since 1900 to record six-plus hits with at least four doubles. On August 18, he became the first MLB player to record 100 RBIs during the 2019 season. On September 21, Devers set a new Red Sox franchise record for home runs by a third baseman in a season, passing Butch Hobson who had hit 30 in 1977. On September 29, the final day of the regular season, Devers reached the 200-hit plateau.

2020: Shortened Season Performance

During the 60-game shortened 2020 regular season, Rafael Devers was Boston's primary third baseman, batting .263 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs in 57 games. He led all major league players in errors with 14 and had the lowest fielding percentage of all major league third basemen at .891.

January 15, 2021: Agreement on a One-Year Deal

On January 15, 2021, Rafael Devers and the Red Sox reached an agreement on a $4.575 million one-year deal to avoid arbitration. He was later named the AL starter at third base for the 2021 All-Star Game.

March 23, 2022: Signed Contract and All-Star Selection

On March 23, 2022, Rafael Devers signed a $11.2 million contract with the Red Sox, avoiding salary arbitration. He was selected by fans to the AL starting lineup for the All-Star Game.

January 3, 2023: Salary Agreement

On January 3, 2023, Rafael Devers and the Red Sox agreed to a $17.5 million salary for the 2023 season.

2023: Contract Extension with Red Sox

Before the 2023 season, the Red Sox signed Rafael Devers to an eleven-year, $311 million contract extension.

2023: 2023 Season Stats

In 2023, Rafael Devers played 153 games for the Red Sox, batting .271 with 33 home runs and 100 RBI. Defensively, he led AL third basemen in errors for the sixth straight year and led all major league third basemen with 19.

May 20, 2024: Home Runs in Six Consecutive Games

On May 20, 2024, Rafael Devers became the first player in Red Sox history to hit home runs in six consecutive games.

2024: Contract Extension

On January 11, 2023, Rafael Devers agreed to a 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension with the Red Sox, which will take effect in the 2024 season.

February 2025: Move to Designated Hitter

In February 2025, after the Red Sox signed free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, Rafael Devers initially refused to move from third base but later relented and was moved to the role of designated hitter.

May 2025: Player of the Week and Walk-off Home Run

In May 2025, Rafael Devers had a slow start to the season, beginning 0-for-21 with 15 strikeouts. After an injury to Triston Casas, Devers declined the team's request to play first base, causing some controversy. On May 12, Devers was named the AL Player of the Week for May 5-May 11. On May 17, Devers hit his first career walk-off home run off Pierce Johnson.