David Ortiz changes his tune on Devers after previous criticism

Crimson Sox legend David Ortiz didn’t maintain again final season when requested about Rafael Devers and the occasions that led to his shocking trade to the Giants in June 2025. 

“So, you have been one of many third basemen final 12 months who performed the worst protection, and also you’re going to point out as much as coaching off form,” Ortiz said on Instagram Live last summer after Devers’ fractured relationship with the Crimson Sox led to a deal. “They convey in a Gold Glove third baseman due to the deficit you had final 12 months, and also you say they’re disrespecting you. No, man, that’s not the way you take a look at baseball.”

Regardless of these candid feedback concerning the former Crimson Sox star, Ortiz seems to have modified his tone about Devers — primarily based on his latest interview on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast with WEEI’s Rob Bradford. 

“I haven’t talked to him, however he talked to a pal of mine. I’ve a lot love and respect for Devers,” Ortiz advised Bradford. “Issues occur within the recreation. Aside from that, that’s my boy. That’s a child I obtained to fulfill when he was 15. I’m all the time going to cheer for him. I’m all the time going to have love and respect for him, as a result of he’s an incredible participant. Typically as a participant we expect now we have all the pieces found out till any person steps in and allows you to know what’s up.  

“I feel what occurred with him right here, he realized from it. He took it as a lesson and that’s simply going to make him a greater participant and proceed to be the beast he’s. I’m all the time wishing him the perfect. I really like watching him hit. That’s one thing that’s unquestionable. I all the time want him the perfect.”

Ortiz expressed frustration with Devers all through the 2025 season after the previous third baseman voiced his disapproval over getting knocked off the new nook after Boston signed Alex Bregman in free company.

Issues unraveled for each Devers and the Crimson Sox after beginning first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee harm in early Could. Regardless of the evident emptiness in Boston’s infield, Devers refused to modify positions as soon as once more from DH to first base — ultimately resulting in his commerce.

 “He must know that he’s an vital piece for this group,” Ortiz said of Devers in June 2025 ahead of the trade. “He’s doing what he was requested. However yeah, I feel he ought to simply take into consideration what could be higher for the group, him at first or him because the DH, and go from there. However now we have to offer him a while.”

However with Devers now in search of a clear slate in San Francisco, it appears as if Ortiz additionally needs to show the web page. 

“Hear, even within the greatest household, [expletive] occurs,” Ortiz advised Bradford.  The baseball relationships you construct with folks it comes and it goes. However on the finish of the day, it’s nothing private. It’s nothing to harm anyone’s feeling. It’s simply the momentum that carries over throughout the season, throughout the video games.”

 

Conor Ryan is a workers author protecting the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Crimson Sox for Boston.com, a job he has held since 2023.