Giants Struggling as Rafael Devers Slumps to Start 2026 Season

Slugger's slow start a major factor in San Francisco's poor opening to new campaign

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:33pm by

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The San Francisco Giants were hoping Rafael Devers would provide a big boost to their lineup after acquiring him in a trade last year, but the star slugger has struggled mightily to begin the 2026 season. Through the first 21 games, Devers is batting just .212 with 2 home runs and a 56 wRC+, well below his career norms. The Giants' offense as a whole has sputtered, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key categories, and the team's playoff hopes could hinge on Devers turning things around.

Why it matters

The Giants made a big bet on Devers to be the centerpiece of their lineup, trading away valuable assets to acquire him. If he can't get going, it could derail San Francisco's season and leave them on the outside looking in when it comes to the postseason race.

The details

After opening the 2025 season strong, the Giants decided to further their World Series hopes by trading for Devers. However, the team struggled to truly get going after the deal and ended up missing the playoffs entirely. This year, the Giants' offense has gotten off to one of the worst starts in baseball, and Devers' slow start has been a major factor. Through 21 games, Devers is batting just .212 with 2 home runs and a 56 wRC+, well below his career norms. His hard-hit rate and average exit velocity are also down significantly from previous seasons.

  • The Giants acquired Devers in a trade last year.
  • Devers dealt with some left hamstring issues during spring training, forcing him to miss time and have a slow spring overall.
  • Through the first 21 games of the 2026 season, Devers is batting .212 with 2 home runs and a 56 wRC+

The players

Rafael Devers

A 29-year-old slugger who the Giants acquired in a trade last year to be the centerpiece of their lineup. Devers has been one of the best hitters in baseball over the past several seasons, but has struggled mightily to start the 2026 campaign.

Willy Adames

A Giants outfielder who hit 30 home runs in his first season with the team, breaking a long drought for the franchise.

Matt Chapman

A key member of the Giants' lineup, along with Devers and Adames, who the team is counting on to provide offensive production.

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What’s next

If Devers continues to struggle, the Giants' playoff hopes could be in jeopardy. The team will be closely monitoring his progress and hoping he can turn things around to get their offense on track.

The takeaway

The Giants' success this season hinges heavily on Rafael Devers regaining his All-Star form at the plate. If he can't get going, it could doom San Francisco's playoff aspirations and leave them regretting the high price they paid to acquire him last year.