The Great California National League West Pennant Race just got more interesting.
In a shocking and surprise trade over the weekend, the San Francisco Giants acquired an elite slugger in Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox.
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The 28-year-old Devers is a proven slugger who has hit 215 home runs over nine major league seasons. He’s hit more than 30 three times, once led the league in doubles (with 54) and is a three-time All-Star.
He also carries a 10-year, $313.5 million contract (he’s in year two), was disgruntled in Boston and will only be the designated hitter in the Bay Area.
Still, he is a major upgrade for a team that is more pop than boom on offense. Congrats to Buster Posey, the franchise’s new general manager (and former All-Star catcher).
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 03: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after his at bat against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park on June 03, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Boston Red Sox 4-3 in 10 innings. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
In this wild west race for October, none of the three California clubs can afford to stand still. The standings as of Monday morning:
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*Los Angeles Dodgers 43-29
*San Francisco Giants 41-31
*San Diego Padres 39-31
(Side note: The Tigers, Mets and Cubs all have better records than any of the West Coast teams).
The Dodgers might get a huge boost with Shohei Ohtani returning to the mound this week. They are nearly desperate for pitching as they have 14 pitchers on the injured list.
Meanwhile, San Diego will not stand pat. The Padres are one of the most aggressive organizations in all of Major League Baseball.
So are the Giants, with Devers in the lineup, now favorites in the West? Might depend on what the Dodgers can get from Ohtani’s return to pitching. Or the Padres’ next phone call.
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Don’t look now, but the Angels just might be building something in Anaheim.
They have nine former No. 1 draft picks on their current roster, including Taylor Ward, the former Shadow Hills High (Indio) star, who was their first pick in 2015. Ward, now 31, is having a productive season and is on pace for around 35 homers and 100 RBIs. He could also be trade material.
The Angels also have the second overall pick in this year’s draft (July 13) and are expected to select a college pitcher, who can help sooner than later.
Liam Doyle, a lefthander from Tennessee, could be the pick. He’s struck out 164 batters in 95 2/3 innings.
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Maybe, just maybe in a couple of years….
Pete Donovan is a Palm Desert resident and former Los Angeles Times sports reporter. He can be reached atpwdonovan22@yahoo.com
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Rafael Devers’ arrival makes San Francisco Giants an NL West threat
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