History of Rafael Devers in Timeline

Rafael Devers Calcaño is a Dominican professional baseball player who currently plays third base for the Boston Red Sox. Since his MLB debut in 2017, he has earned recognition and accolades, including two Silver Slugger Awards (2021, 2023) and two All-Star selections (2021, 2022).

1900: Six Hits, Four Doubles Game

In a game against the Cleveland Indians in 2019, Devers became the only player since 1900 to achieve six or more hits with at least four doubles in a single game.

1965: Youngest Red Sox Home Run Record

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

1977: Red Sox Home Run Record for a Third Baseman

Devers surpassed Butch Hobson's 1977 record of 30 home runs in a season by a Red Sox third baseman, setting a new franchise record in 2019.

October 24, 1996: Birth of Rafael Devers

Rafael Devers was born on October 24, 1996.

1997: Youngest Player with Go-Ahead RBI Record

Devers became the youngest player since Édgar Rentería in 1997 to achieve a go-ahead RBI in the 9th inning or later of a World Series game. His accomplishment came during Game 4 of the 2018 World Series.

2005: Statistical Milestone

As of 2005, when online statistics for the DSL became available, Devers' .533 slugging average during a period in 2014 stood as the highest for an everyday player on the Red Sox.

2008: Fastest Pitch Home Run

In 2017, Devers hit a home run off a pitch from Aroldis Chapman clocked at 102.8 mph, marking the fastest pitch hit for a home run since MLB started formally recording pitch velocity in 2008.

August 2013: Signing with the Boston Red Sox

At just 16 years old, Rafael Devers signed a $1.5 million contract with the Boston Red Sox in August 2013.

May 31, 2014: Professional Debut

Rafael Devers began his professional baseball career on May 31, 2014, playing for the Dominican Summer League Red Sox rookie team.

2015: South Atlantic League All-Star Selection

Devers was chosen for the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in 2015 while playing for the Low Class A Greenville Drive.

2016: Spring Training Invitation and Promotion

The Boston Red Sox invited Devers to their spring training in 2016. He was then promoted to the High-A Salem Red Sox for the regular season.

July 24, 2017: Promotion to Boston Red Sox

Five days after the release of Pablo Sandoval, Devers was called up to the Boston Red Sox on July 24, 2017.

2017: Promotions to Double-A and Triple-A

Devers began 2017 with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs. By July 14, his performance earned him a promotion to the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox.

2017: MLB Debut

Rafael Devers made his Major League Baseball debut in 2017.

2018: Postseason Success and World Series Title

Devers became the fifth player in history to hit at least three home runs before turning 22 during the 2018 postseason. His performance contributed to the Red Sox's World Series victory, giving Devers his first championship title.

2018: First Career Grand Slams and Injuries

Devers hit his first two career grand slams during the 2018 season. He also dealt with shoulder inflammation and a left hamstring strain that year, leading to stints on the disabled list.

2019: Player of the Month, Record-Breaking Hits, and RBI Title

Devers had a remarkable 2019 season. He was named AL Player of the Month for May, achieved a rare six-hit game, became the first player with 100 RBIs in 2019, and led the league in several offensive categories.

2019: League-Leading Offensive Stats and MVP Voting

Devers led the major leagues in extra base hits (90) and total bases (359) in 2019. His performance earned him a 12th-place finish in the AL MVP voting.

2019: Devers Uses Nickname "Carita" for Players' Weekend

During the 2019 Players' Weekend, Rafael Devers used the nickname "Carita," which translates to "baby face" in Spanish, a nod to his happy and smiling demeanor as a child.