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Marlins Minor League Report
Marlins Video Fish On First is publishing weekly Miami Marlins minor league summaries throughout the 2025 season, covering the progress of FOF Top 30 prospects and lesser-known players in the organization who are worth monitoring. Each full-season MiLB affiliate has its own section below. Player stats are up to date entering April 28. Triple-A […]

Marlins Video
Fish On First is publishing weekly Miami Marlins minor league summaries throughout the 2025 season, covering the progress of FOF Top 30 prospects and lesser-known players in the organization who are worth monitoring. Each full-season MiLB affiliate has its own section below.
Player stats are up to date entering April 28.
Triple-A Jacksonville
The Miami Marlins recalled Agustín Ramírez to the Major Leagues, which directly led to Joe Mack being promoted from Pensacola to AAA-Jacksonville. In just five games with the Jumbo Shrimp, Mack is slashing .368/.478/.579/1.057 with one home run and one RBI. Combining both levels, Mack is slashing .333/.468/.603/1.072 with four home runs and six RBI. He already showed a plus power tool during his 2024 breakout season, but he continues to improve as an all-around hitter.
Defensively, Mack has caught eight baserunners stealing and only has three passed balls.
If Mack keeps playing like this, he could potentially join Ramírez in the majors by the end of the season.
FOF’s #7 prospect, Deyvison De Los Santos, is being more selective at the plate compared to last season. He is slashing .290/.356/.419/775 with two home runs, 14 RBI and a 117 wRC+. The biggest downside with De Los Santos is his career-worst 30.8% strikeout rate.
De Los Santos’ second home run of the season came in walk-off fashion on Sunday. The ball left the bat at 110.7 mph.
One name that has quietly impressed is infielder Jack Winkler. Acquired in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft from the Athletics, Winkler is slashing .333/.370/.510/.880 with two home runs, six RBI and a 143 wRC+. He can play both middle infield spots and third base as well as first base if necessary.
Outfielder Andrew Pintar is slashing .290/.338/.319/.657 with four RBI. Although that looks decent on the surface, he has yet to hit a home run while striking out 41.3% of the time. He has been relying on a .526 BABIP, which will drop significantly over time.
Jacob Berry has continued his tradition of slow starts. Through 22 games, he’s slashing .119/.241/.209/.450 with one home run and nine RBI with the lowest batting average among all qualified Triple-A hitters. Defensively, he made all of his appearances last week at second base.
This may be the final time Adam Mazur is mentioned in this weekly recap for a bit. The Marlins sent Connor Gillispie to AAA on Sunday and Mazur could start in that spot during the upcoming homestand. Through five appearances (four starts), Mazur has posted a 1.44 ERA, 3.45 FIP, 8.64 K/9 and 1.08 BB/9 through 25 innings pitched.
Double-A Pensacola
Kemp Alderman continues to rake, slashing .290/.354/.539/.891 with four home runs, 14 RBI and a 157 wRC+. The most impressive improvement has been the career-low strikeout % of 20.3%. The road to his 20/20 season is still going well, having stolen seven bases thus far.
It’s as simple as this: Robby Snelling should be in AAA. Through four starts, he’s posted a 1.61 ERA, 2.18 FIP, 11.69 K/9 and 1.21 BB/9 through 22 ⅓ innings pitched. His fastball velocity has bounced back to where it had been earlier in his pro career and he is pairing it with sharp command.
Dax Fulton missed his last start, but it was precautionary and not injury-related. He is expected to make his next start on time. Through three starts, he’s posted a 3.46 ERA, 4.45 FIP, 8.31 K/9 and 5.54 BB/9 through 13 innings pitched.
Once regarded as a Marlins Top 30 prospect, 24-year old Evan Fitterer is off to an amazing start. In four appearances (three starts), he has a 0.87 ERA, 2.01 FIP, 8.71 K/9 and 2.18 BB/9. This is his lowest walk rate since 2021. There is extra pressure on Fitterer this season because he is due to become a minor league free agent unless he earns a spot on Miami’s 40-man roster.
In six appearances, Josh Ekness has yet to allow an earned run. He has a 0.00 ERA, 1.31 FIP, 15.95 K/9 and 3.68 BB/9 through 7 ⅓ innings pitched. He also has two saves.
Through 16 ⅓ innings, Adam Laskey has a 0.55 ERA, 1.01 ERA, 11.57 K/9 and 0.55 BB/9. These are all easily career-highs for the 27-year-old. With such a packed pitching staff in AAA, Laskey has been relegated to AA, but at some point should be an option for the Marlins in long relief or even as a spot starter.
High-A Beloit
Catcher Ryan Ignoffo is off to another great start this season, slashing .232/.308/.478/.786 with three home runs, 19 RBI and a 117 wRC+. No other player on the Sky Carp has driven in more than seven runs. On the defensive side, he’s got four passed balls, but has thrown out seven baserunners. A promotion to AA is possible by the middle of the season.
Another catcher who is off to an awesome start in a VERY limited sample size is 2024 12th-round pick Connor Caskenette. He’s slashing .368/.571/.421/.992 with five RBI. At 22 years old, he can get more consistent reps at catcher if they promote Ignoffo.
Top prospect Thomas White is coming off his longest career start, going 5 ⅓ innings, striking out seven and allowing one run on one hit. For the season, he has a 3.31 ERA, 3.03 FIP, 12.12 K/9 and 6.06 BB/9 through 16 ⅓ innings pitched.
Noble Meyer, who was drafted ahead of White in that 2023 class, is off to an uneven start. He’s posted a 5.11 ERA, 5.55 FIP, 8.03 K/9 and 4.38 BB/9 through 12 ⅓ innings pitched. Meyer is still struggling to throw strikes and it has been a constant issue throughout his career.
Up until Sunday, Xavier Meachem had not allowed an earned run. He had been a bit lucky, to be honest, posting a 4.87 FIP and 8.10 BB/9. Meachem began coming back down to earth in his latest outing with two earned runs allowed, but he’s been impressive overall.
Low-A Jupiter
There was a veteran presence around the Hammerheads during their previous series. Ryan Weathers, Eury Pérez and Victor Mesa Jr. all began rehab assignments.
The youngest prospect to appear in a Minor League Baseball game so far in 2025, Andrew Salas continues to find success in Jupiter, slashing .275/.473/.350/.823 with two RBI, five stolen bases and 154 wRC+. After a slow start, assuming he may look overmatched, he may stick around Low-A for the rest of the season.
On the other hand, Carter Johnson, the Marlins second round pick last year is off to a rough start, slashing .177/.258/.253/.511 with 31 strikeouts. It is very likely that once the FCL season begins, he will go down a level to see if he can get into a rhythm.
PJ Morlando made his season debut and through four games, he is 2-for-16 with one home run, nine strikeouts and one walk. He has played in center field and left field so far.
Starlyn Caba was placed on the 7-day injured last after suffering a left thumb sprain, per our own Isaac Azout. He was slashing .200/.431/.200/.631 with three RBI, six stolen bases and a 116 wRC+ prior to the injury. He had been splitting time between shortstop and second base.
Abrahan Ramírez, who was one of three players acquired in the Jazz Chisholm Jr. trade, is off to a nice start, slashing .245/.406/.347/.753 with 13 RBI and a 128 wRC+. He’s been primarily at third base and DH.
Next Up (April 29-May 4)
- Triple-A Jacksonville at Durham
- Double-A Pensacola at Birmingham
- High-A Beloit at Peoria
- Low-A Jupiter at Fort Myers
Sports
Beachwalk blends luxury living with resort amenities on the shores of Lake Michigan
Tucked along the shores of Lake Michigan, Beachwalk is both a resort and a neighborhood – a place where families spend their summers or put down roots for a more permanent life on the beach. It’s a vacation community offering a blend of luxury and tranquility in Northwest Indiana, with chances for kayaking, fishing, beach […]

Tucked along the shores of Lake Michigan, Beachwalk is both a resort and a neighborhood – a place where families spend their summers or put down roots for a more permanent life on the beach. It’s a vacation community offering a blend of luxury and tranquility in Northwest Indiana, with chances for kayaking, fishing, beach volleyball, tennis, and more.
Managed by 1st American Management Company, Beachwalk maintains its charm and order through year-round care. With its scenic views, plentiful amenities and leisure activities, and a close-knit neighborhood, many families stay for decades. One of those long-term residents is Rich Murphy, who, along with his wife Jill, has called Beachwalk home for 25 years.
“I was initially drawn in by the Lake Michigan and Dunes lifestyle,” he said. “It’s as if a beach of southern Spain was dropped into Indiana, but in the fresh waters of Lake Michigan. We’re raising our family here, and have three daughters.”
Murphy’s love for the community led to his election to the Beachwalk Property Owners Association. His involvement extends beyond residency, and he noted that Beachwalk attracts visitors from all over the world.
“I think people might be surprised that we get residents from all over the country and the world,” he said. “Beachwalk is a destination, and I’ve heard people say that our beach is among the best they’ve ever experienced.”
While some residents only stay during the warmer season, Murphy values the year-round experience.
“My favorite part of living here is our friends, family, and neighbors who all have homes here,” he said. “I also appreciate the changing dynamics of Lake Michigan. You can see the Mediterranean-like blue waters of the summer, the shelf ice of mid-winter, and all the blazing sunsets over the Chicago skyline. The beauty of Lake Michigan is always there, but ever changing.”
Daniel Sullivan, a five-year resident of Beachwalk, feels that most of the community shares Murphy’s admiration.
“I think the vibe of the community is of a shared appreciation for the environment,” Sullivan said. “We all love these homes that have a traditional feel of a beach community, spending time with family and friends surrounded by white picket fences and stunning architecture. You get the sense that you’re on vacation all the time.”
“Beachwalk is a beautiful community. I think many people, especially those of us from Northwest Indiana, take Lake Michigan and all it has to offer for granted. From salmon and perch fishing to pleasure boating, miles of sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets, it’s truly a special place,” said Michael R. Bottos, President and COO of 1st American Management Co., Inc. “We’ve built a strong relationship with the residents of Beachwalk and are excited to see what the future holds for this community.”
To explore rental opportunities and discover everything the Beachwalk community has to offer, visit beachwalkvacationrentals.com and funatbeachwalk.com.
Sports
ADM Girls Track and Field Teams Rack Up IATC All-State and Elite All-State Honors | Raccoon Valley Radio
RVR does not own photos Several individuals from the Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Track and Field Team are being recognized with postseason honors for their performances at the state meet in May. ADM was recently named the Class 3A Champions for the second consecutive year, and have been selected for many events by the Iowa Association of Track […]


RVR does not own photos
Several individuals from the Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Track and Field Team are being recognized with postseason honors for their performances at the state meet in May.
ADM was recently named the Class 3A Champions for the second consecutive year, and have been selected for many events by the Iowa Association of Track Coaches in the All-State and Elite All-State divisions.
For All-State, junior Elise Coghlan and senior Josi Dufoe got in for the 100 meter hurdles, while Dufoe qualified for Elite All-State. Coghlan was also named All-State in the 400 meter hurdles, while senior London Warmuth got All-State and Elite All-State for the High Jump. Then, the Tiger relays of the 4×100 (Dufoe, Calli Seehase, Jada Grove, and Peyton Standley) and 4×200 meters (Dufoe, Seehase, Grove, and Aniston Tollari) made All-State, with the Girls Shuttle Hurdle Relay, consisting of Dufoe, Coghlan, Bella Smyth, and Haley Nelson achieved both All-State and Elite All-State as they captured a state meet record of 1:01.15.
In addition, ADM Head Coach Bart Mueller was named the Class 3A Coach of the Year from the IATC.
Sports
Former Aztec J.J. Spaun Wins the U.S. Open
SAN DIEGO — Former San Diego State men’s golfer J.J. Spaun captured the 2025 U.S. Open, battling a weather delay on arguably the toughest course in the world at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, 10 miles outside of Pittsburgh. Along with a pair of major wins last season by Xander Schauffele at the PGA […]

SAN DIEGO — Former San Diego State men’s golfer J.J. Spaun captured the 2025 U.S. Open, battling a weather delay on arguably the toughest course in the world at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, 10 miles outside of Pittsburgh. Along with a pair of major wins last season by Xander Schauffele at the PGA Championship and The Open, a former Aztec has won three of the last six majors.
Spaun, who starred for SDSU from 2009-12, carded a final round 2-over-par-72 to finish as the lone player under par at 1-under 279, beating runner-up Robert MacIntyre by two strokes. Spaun, who had one career win entering the tournament in the 2022 Valero Texas Open, was at 5-over through his first eight holes of the final round with five bogeys before a 96-minute weather delay. When he resumed on the ninth hole, he had three pars, and then went three-under over his final seven holes with four birdies and a bogey.
Spaun’s 64-foot, 5-inch putt on the final hole to clinch the two-shot win was the longest in the field for the tournament. Spaun became the fifth U.S. Open champion to finish his tournament birdie-birdie in regulation and just the second player in the last 120 yards to shoot a 40-plus on the front nine and to win the U.S. Open. Spaun opened with a 66 in Thursday’s opening round to lead by a shot at 4-under. He followed with a 2-over 72 on Friday before a 1-under 69 on Saturday had him playing in the second-to-last group today. The other three players in today’s final two groups shot a combined 20-over par while Spaun carded a 2-over par.
Spaun entered the weekend as the 25th-ranked player in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).
Spaun twice received All-America recognition by both the (GCAA) and Golfweek during his time at San Diego State (2009-12). He captured five individual tournament crowns during his career at SDSU, which is tied for most in school history with Aztec Hall of Famer Lennie Clements.
In addition, Spaun earned Mountain West Player of the Year honors as a senior in 2012 and garnered three straight all-conference accolades. He concluded that season ranked 17th nationally by Golfstat.com and 21st by Golfweek after leading SDSU to its best-ever Division I team finish with a fifth-place tie in the match-play phase at the NCAA Championships.
Justin Hastings, meanwhile, was the only amateur to make the cut. He opened with back-to-back 73s, before shooting 73 and 76 on the weekend and finishing tied for 55th at +15. It was the second straight amateur Hastings competed in where he was the low amateur (also the Masters). San Diego State is likely the first college to have a U.S. Open champion and the low amateur medalist in recorded history.
Hastings had arguably the best season in San Diego State history, racking up two victories and posting the second-best scoring average (70.33) in program history. Out of his 11 collegiate tournaments, he had two wins (by four strokes each), a runner-up finish and six top-10 efforts. Hastings became the fourth Aztec to win a MW Championship, April 25-27, carding an 18-under-par 198. He also won the Lamkin Classic, March 10-11, in a tournament-record 16-under 200. He was named an honorable mention All-American by two publications, as well as a PING All-West region selection for a third straight season, the Mountain West Golfer of the Year and an all-MW pick for a third consecutive year. Last weekend, Hastings led the Internationals to a 35-25 win at the Arnold Palmer Cup after going 4-0 in his events at Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina.
San Diego State won its fourth consecutive MW championship last month and a spot in the NCAA Tallahassee Regional, where the Aztecs tied for seventh out of 14 teams, two spots from advancing to the NCAA Championship.
Sports
From car park to arena for ‘world record performances’: Facility for Singapore World Aquatics Champs unveiled
The full costs of building the temporary facility and hosting the event has not been publicly revealed. In February this year, then Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Eric Chua said that construction cost of the temporary facility is still being finalised, but it is expected to be “comparable” to the […]
The full costs of building the temporary facility and hosting the event has not been publicly revealed.
In February this year, then Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Eric Chua said that construction cost of the temporary facility is still being finalised, but it is expected to be “comparable” to the cost borne by other host cities that built temporary facilities to host the event.
He added that tourist revenue generated from the upcoming World Aquatics and World Aquatics Masters Championships is projected to hit S$60 million (US$44.7 million), with 40,000 international visitors expected at the month-long event in Singapore.
Mr Chay echoed similar comments on Monday when asked about the cost of the arena and whether it was within the budget.
“At these major championships, they built temporary venues for all events. But for us, we’re using an existing venue at OCBC Aquatic Center for two of our major events – diving as well as water polo. And we built this facility for swimming as well as artistic swimming, and of course, in Sentosa, we’ll have open water and diving,” he said.
“I’m happy to say that the cost of organising this, building this facility, is comparable to that of Doha as well as Fukuoka (World Championships).”
Late last year, the Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Trans-Eurokars Mazda and OCBC were unveiled as the event’s hotel, automobile and banking partners, with Singtel on Monday announced as the official network connectivity partner of the meet.
Sports
Great Way to Celebrate 50 Years of Varsity Women's Sports at South Carolina
The women’s track & field team continued to re-write the record books and competed in the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships. Sophomore JaMeesia Ford earned the Commissioner’s Trophy at the SEC Outdoor Championships after taking gold the 100 meter and 200 meter events and joined senior Jayla Jamison, and sophomores Cynteria James and Zaya Akins […]


The women’s track & field team continued to re-write the record books and competed in the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships.
Sophomore JaMeesia Ford earned the Commissioner’s Trophy at the SEC Outdoor Championships after taking gold the 100 meter and 200 meter events and joined senior Jayla Jamison, and sophomores Cynteria James and Zaya Akins in taking gold in the 4×100 meter relay and 4×400 meter relay events. She also won gold in the 200m at the SEC Indoor Championships and was named the SEC Women’s Runner of the Year after the Outdoor Championship. Sophomore Salma Elbadra won the SEC Outdoor title in the 1500 meter event and was the SEC Women’s Newcomer Runner of the Year.
The Gamecocks sent eight competitors to the NCAA Outdoor Championship in Eugene, Oregon. where Ford was crowned champion in the 200 meters, while Jamison finished seventh in event, allowing both to take All-American honors. Jamison, James, Akins, and Ford were also the runner-up in the 4×100 meter relay, clocking a program record 42.40 to take silver as well as First Team All-American honors.
Ford captured her third All-America nod at the National Championship event after finishing as the runner-upin the 100 meters, running 11.14 and finishing just .003 seconds behind Southern California’s Samirah Moody. Salma Elbadra and Cheyla Scott were each named to the Second Team All-American squad after placing in the Top 16 in their respective events.
As a team, South Carolina finished with 28 points and took seventh place in the overall standings. This was the first Top 10 finish since placing 10th in 2019 and marks the best team finish since 2006 when the Gamecocks placed third.
Rest up and get ready for the 2025-2026 academic year!
Sports
Red Sox trade Rafael Devers to the Giants in a blockbuster deal
The Boston Red Sox traded slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday in a deal that could shake up pennant races on both coasts.San Francisco sent right-hander Jordan Hicks, lefty Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III and minor league righty Jose Bello to Boston for the 28-year-old designated hitter, who had […]


The Boston Red Sox traded slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday in a deal that could shake up pennant races on both coasts.San Francisco sent right-hander Jordan Hicks, lefty Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III and minor league righty Jose Bello to Boston for the 28-year-old designated hitter, who had bristled at his demotion from third base this year.The Giants are two games back of NL West-leading Los Angeles after losing 5-4 to the Dodgers on Sunday night.Harrison was on his way to the bullpen to warm up for Sunday’s start when he was called back to the clubhouse and informed of the trade. Reliever Sean Hjelle was told about 30 minutes before first pitch that he would start.“Yeah, it was a lot, and it was late, but you know what? This is something we really needed,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said.“To get a guy like Devers … there’s a lot you have to give up for him, but this fits us perfectly. It’s a power left-handed bat, a guy that can go the other way and hit for power in our ballpark. I mean, it’s tailor-made for us, so kudos to the front office to swing this.”On on 5: Devers arrives at Fenway after being traded to GiantsA three-time All-Star who signed a 10-year, $313.5 million contract with the Red Sox in 2023, Devers is batting .272 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs in 73 games, including a solo shot in Boston’s 2-0 victory over the New York Yankees on Sunday that completed a three-game sweep.But his relationship with the team began to deteriorate when the team signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman during spring training and asked Devers to move to DH; he balked before agreeing to the switch. When first baseman Triston Casas sustained a season-ending knee injury, the Red Sox approached Devers about playing the field and he declined, saying the front office “ should do their jobs ” and look for another player.A day after Devers’ comments to the media about playing first, Red Sox owner John Henry, team president Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow flew to Kansas City to meet with Devers and manager Alex Cora.The situation became more difficult when Bregman sustained what the team called a significant right quadriceps injury on May 23.“Everybody around the league, I think, was paying attention to that. When any team is having some kind of drama like that, with a player like Devers — he basically was the face of the franchise,” San Francisco shortstop Willy Adames said in an on-field interview during the ESPN broadcast.Buster Posey, a seven-time All-Star who took over as San Francisco’s president of baseball operations in September, said he reached out to Craig Breslow, Boston’s chief baseball officer, about two weeks ago. Trade talks picked up momentum over the past few days.Posey and Melvin declined to address what position Devers would play in San Francisco — “That’s a conversation for myself, Bob and Zack (general manager Zack Minasian) to have with him,” Posey said — but they are convinced Devers’ bat will have a significant impact on a lineup that has produced only 16 homers from the left side this season.“We’re excited about adding one of the best hitters in all of major league baseball to our lineup,” Posey said. “We’re obviously taking on a lot of dollars, but there’s a belief that adding a guy like this puts us in a good position keep winning ballgames, get into the playoffs and try to win a World Series, which is our ultimate goal.”The Red Sox have won five out of six against the rival Yankees over the last two weekends to improve to 37-36, but they are still fourth in the AL East, 6 1/2 games behind division-leading New York.Devers was 20 when he made his major league debut with the Red Sox in 2017. He helped the Red Sox win the 2018 World Series and led the team in RBIs for five consecutive seasons from 2020-24. He has finished in the top 20 in voting for AL MVP five times.The Giants have lacked slugging since Barry Bonds hit 45 homers in 2004; they are the only team in the majors who have not had a batter hit 30 homers since then. Devers has hit at least 30 homers in three different seasons.“It’s tough losing (Harrison and Hicks) … but we’re getting a guy back who changes the lineup, who’s probably a top-10 hitter in baseball every year,” Giants pitcher Logan Webb said.“Any time you add a player of that caliber, I think you give yourself a chance every day. I don’t know where he’s gonna hit, but I don’t think it really matters. The guy’s a stud, plain and simple. I’m excited about it.”Devers is not the first Red Sox All-Star to be traded away: The team sent Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2020 season in a salary dump — just a year after he won the AL MVP award and led Boston to a franchise-record 108 wins and its fourth World Series title since 2004.But the Devers deal is perhaps most reminiscent of the 2004 midseason shakeup when Boston traded disgruntled shortstop — and fan favorite — Nomar Garciaparra.The Red Sox went on to win the World Series that year, ending their 86-year championship drought.The acquisition of Devers is the latest big move by Posey, 38. He signed Justin Verlander to a $15 million, one-year contract in January and Adames to a $182 million, seven-year deal in December.Harrison, 23, is 9-9 with a 4.48 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 39 games for the Giants over three seasons. Hicks, 28, was 5-12 with a 4.83 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 42 games over two seasons. Tibbs, 22, was the 13th overall pick in last year’s draft; he is hitting .246 with 12 homers and 32 RBIs in 57 games for Single-A Eugene of the Northwest League this season. Bello, 20, is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in eight games for the Giants’ rookie league team in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The Boston Red Sox traded slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday in a deal that could shake up pennant races on both coasts.
San Francisco sent right-hander Jordan Hicks, lefty Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III and minor league righty Jose Bello to Boston for the 28-year-old designated hitter, who had bristled at his demotion from third base this year.
The Giants are two games back of NL West-leading Los Angeles after losing 5-4 to the Dodgers on Sunday night.
Harrison was on his way to the bullpen to warm up for Sunday’s start when he was called back to the clubhouse and informed of the trade. Reliever Sean Hjelle was told about 30 minutes before first pitch that he would start.
“Yeah, it was a lot, and it was late, but you know what? This is something we really needed,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said.
“To get a guy like Devers … there’s a lot you have to give up for him, but this fits us perfectly. It’s a power left-handed bat, a guy that can go the other way and hit for power in our ballpark. I mean, it’s tailor-made for us, so kudos to the front office to swing this.”
On on 5: Devers arrives at Fenway after being traded to Giants
A three-time All-Star who signed a 10-year, $313.5 million contract with the Red Sox in 2023, Devers is batting .272 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs in 73 games, including a solo shot in Boston’s 2-0 victory over the New York Yankees on Sunday that completed a three-game sweep.
But his relationship with the team began to deteriorate when the team signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman during spring training and asked Devers to move to DH; he balked before agreeing to the switch. When first baseman Triston Casas sustained a season-ending knee injury, the Red Sox approached Devers about playing the field and he declined, saying the front office “ should do their jobs ” and look for another player.
A day after Devers’ comments to the media about playing first, Red Sox owner John Henry, team president Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow flew to Kansas City to meet with Devers and manager Alex Cora.
The situation became more difficult when Bregman sustained what the team called a significant right quadriceps injury on May 23.
“Everybody around the league, I think, was paying attention to that. When any team is having some kind of drama like that, with a player like Devers — he basically was the face of the franchise,” San Francisco shortstop Willy Adames said in an on-field interview during the ESPN broadcast.
Buster Posey, a seven-time All-Star who took over as San Francisco’s president of baseball operations in September, said he reached out to Craig Breslow, Boston’s chief baseball officer, about two weeks ago. Trade talks picked up momentum over the past few days.
Posey and Melvin declined to address what position Devers would play in San Francisco — “That’s a conversation for myself, Bob and Zack (general manager Zack Minasian) to have with him,” Posey said — but they are convinced Devers’ bat will have a significant impact on a lineup that has produced only 16 homers from the left side this season.
“We’re excited about adding one of the best hitters in all of major league baseball to our lineup,” Posey said. “We’re obviously taking on a lot of dollars, but there’s a belief that adding a guy like this puts us in a good position keep winning ballgames, get into the playoffs and try to win a World Series, which is our ultimate goal.”
The Red Sox have won five out of six against the rival Yankees over the last two weekends to improve to 37-36, but they are still fourth in the AL East, 6 1/2 games behind division-leading New York.
Devers was 20 when he made his major league debut with the Red Sox in 2017. He helped the Red Sox win the 2018 World Series and led the team in RBIs for five consecutive seasons from 2020-24. He has finished in the top 20 in voting for AL MVP five times.
The Giants have lacked slugging since Barry Bonds hit 45 homers in 2004; they are the only team in the majors who have not had a batter hit 30 homers since then. Devers has hit at least 30 homers in three different seasons.
“It’s tough losing (Harrison and Hicks) … but we’re getting a guy back who changes the lineup, who’s probably a top-10 hitter in baseball every year,” Giants pitcher Logan Webb said.
“Any time you add a player of that caliber, I think you give yourself a chance every day. I don’t know where he’s gonna hit, but I don’t think it really matters. The guy’s a stud, plain and simple. I’m excited about it.”
Devers is not the first Red Sox All-Star to be traded away: The team sent Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2020 season in a salary dump — just a year after he won the AL MVP award and led Boston to a franchise-record 108 wins and its fourth World Series title since 2004.
But the Devers deal is perhaps most reminiscent of the 2004 midseason shakeup when Boston traded disgruntled shortstop — and fan favorite — Nomar Garciaparra.
The Red Sox went on to win the World Series that year, ending their 86-year championship drought.
The acquisition of Devers is the latest big move by Posey, 38. He signed Justin Verlander to a $15 million, one-year contract in January and Adames to a $182 million, seven-year deal in December.
Harrison, 23, is 9-9 with a 4.48 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 39 games for the Giants over three seasons. Hicks, 28, was 5-12 with a 4.83 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 42 games over two seasons. Tibbs, 22, was the 13th overall pick in last year’s draft; he is hitting .246 with 12 homers and 32 RBIs in 57 games for Single-A Eugene of the Northwest League this season. Bello, 20, is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in eight games for the Giants’ rookie league team in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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