The San Francisco Giants find themselves in a precarious situation less than a year after making a significant investment in star infielder Rafael Devers. Following a disappointing start to the 2026 season, with a 18-24 record, reports from Bob Nightengale of USA Today suggest that the Giants are keen to trade Devers and revamp their roster.

Devers' Current Performance

Signed to a staggering contract worth $226.5 million that runs through 2033, Devers is currently the highest-paid player on the Giants roster. However, his performance has not matched the hefty payday, as he has produced just 1.4 rWAR while playing 132 games since joining San Francisco. With a .677 OPS and defensive metrics that raise questions about his suitability at first base, the Giants are scrutinizing their investment.

Analyzing the Trade Possibilities

Devers' potential trade presents a unique challenge for the Giants. His lack of no-trade protection allows for flexibility, but any deal would likely involve a similar framework to the one that brought him from the Boston Red Sox—a bad contract swap supplemented by young talent.

Let’s explore some of the teams that might show interest in acquiring Devers, despite the challenges involved.

Teams that Might Consider Trading for Devers

Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians recently acquired Patrick Bailey from the Giants but continue to struggle with their offense. A move for Devers seems unlikely given their reluctance to invest significant payroll dollars, as they generally avoid contracts exceeding $100 million.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds could use an impact hitter alongside emerging stars Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz. However, taking on Devers’ substantial contract, which far exceeds their previous investments like Joey Votto’s, presents a significant risk.

Milwaukee Brewers

Ranked last in Major League Baseball with only 27 home runs, the Brewers desperately need power. However, their financial constraints and the challenge of fitting Devers alongside Christian Yelich at DH make this scenario improbable.

Pittsburgh Pirates

While Devers could thrive in a less scrutinizing environment in Pittsburgh, the team's maxed-out payroll means they might not have the capacity to entertain such a deal.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs prioritize starting pitching over additional offensive players. Thus, even acquiring Devers would not be beneficial as their focus remains on bolstering their rotation.

Other Contenders with Limited Interest

Los Angeles Dodgers

Trading Devers to their long-standing rivals hardly seems feasible for the Giants. The Dodgers have limited need for additional players at first base or DH, given the strength of their current roster.

New York Yankees

Although Devers has historical ties to Yankee Stadium, the Yankees are preoccupied with their own needs at DH for Giancarlo Stanton and are unlikely to make a move for Devers.

Philadelphia Phillies

Despite failing to find their footing offensively, the Phillies are locked into contracts with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber at first base and DH, making an acquisition of Devers improbable.

Toronto Blue Jays

Like the Phillies, the Blue Jays are a contender facing offensive struggles, yet they are set at first base and DH, limiting their interest in moving for Devers.

Boston Red Sox

Even after losing Devers, the Red Sox remain power-starved and would potentially consider a reunion. However, both sides may prefer to avoid revisiting the past.

Houston Astros

With Yordan Alvarez locked in at DH, and other positional needs taking precedence, the Astros may not have sufficient interest in trading for Devers.

New York Mets

Despite being in need of more offensive firepower, the Mets may shy away from acquiring another high-cost player given their current struggles this season.

Potential Fits for Devers

Texas Rangers

The Rangers boast a solid offense but lack the star power needed to compete. Devers might find a role at first base here, providing the team with an additional strength as they aim to return to championship contention.

San Diego Padres

The division-leading Padres could use another bat to strengthen their lineup. Acquiring Devers would be a considerable move to counterbalance a struggling batting order.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers remain in contention despite roster challenges and require a strong bat to reinvigorate their offense, providing a potential landing spot for Devers while looking to address their ongoing DH issues.

Seattle Mariners

While looking to forge a path back to an elite offense, the Mariners might consider adding a potent bat like Devers to mix things up, provided the Giants negotiate a favorable contract split.

Atlanta Braves

As the highest-scoring team in MLB, the Braves could explore adding Devers to their already powerful lineup, addressing their DH needs while positioning for a championship run.

Trade Complexity Ahead

As the Giants contemplate moving Devers, they face significant trade complexities. The financial implications might require them to pay down a substantial portion of his contract to facilitate a deal. With a tight market and various teams negotiating their own circumstances, finding a fitting trade for Devers represents a challenging yet crucial moment for the Giants going forward.