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Rafael Devers reacts during a game as an analyst labels his contract the worst in baseball following his move from the Boston Red Sox.

After getting shut out 3-0 against the Tampa Bay Rays, the San Francisco Giants have lost their last four games in a row. Their disappointing loss comes after getting swept by the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-game series. The Giants are currently 13-19 and dead last in the NL West.

There is plenty of blame to go around for a team looking to get back to its first playoff appearance since 2021. But their two highest-paid players, first baseman Rafael Devers and shortstop Willy Adames, are off to brutal starts.

Rafael Devers Under Contract With the San Francisco Giants Until 2034

The Giants traded for the former Boston Red Sox slugging superstar on Jun. 15, 2025, for pitchers Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks and a pair of prospects, James Tibbs III (Giants No. 4 prospect at the time of the deal) and Jose Bello. The Giants finally acquired a slugging left-handed bat that they have not had since Barry Bonds was wearing the orange and black.

But acquiring Devers has not played out as Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey probably envisioned. The converted first baseman is off to an extremely slow start in 2026. 

Associated Press Josh Dubow writes on X: Rafael Devers’ .530 OPS this season is the worst in the majors among the 105 players with at least 120 plate appearances. 

The 10-year MLB veteran is currently slashing .207/ .248/ .289 for a .537 OPS with only 2 home runs and 11 RBIs through 31 games. Devers is miles away from his All-Star level seasons, as he also has a -1.0 WAR this season. 

The Giants will have to hope that Devers can return to his former self because he is still owed $226 million through the 2033 season.

GettyWilly Adames has struggled to hit home runs, perhaps due to the pitcher-friendly nature of Oracle Park, the Giants’ home stadium.

Willy Adames Off To Slow Start

The Giants signed Adames to a 7-year, $182 million contract in the 2025 offseason. It marked the first big deal signed in the Buster Posey Era. 

After a slow start to his Giants career last season, Adames went on to hit 30 home runs and drive in 87 runs. He became the first Giants hitter to reach the 30 home run mark since Barry Bonds in 2004. 

But Adames is once again off to a horrendous start. The 30-year-old is currently slashing .197/ .240/ .352 with 3 home runs, 6 RBIs, and has a -0.1 WAR.

Devers and Adames Impact On the Giants Offense

Both the Giants’ first baseman and shortstop were acquired to help with one clear goal. Score more runs. But neither is helping a slumping Giants offense.

San Francisco currently ranks last in MLB in runs scored, home runs, stolen bases, and walks. They also have 7 games where they have scored 0 runs, which leads the majors.

For the Giants to turn their offense and season around, both Adames and Devers have to play better baseball.