Baseball legend David Ortiz once harshly criticized Rafael Devers, but now he’s singing a different tune—and it’s raising eyebrows. What changed? After publicly calling out Devers for his defensive struggles and attitude last season, Ortiz is now showering the former Red Sox star with praise. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a genuine shift in perspective, or is Ortiz simply smoothing over a rocky relationship? Let’s dive in.
Last summer, Ortiz didn’t hold back when discussing Devers’ trade to the Giants in June 2025. On an Instagram Live session, he bluntly stated, ‘You were one of the worst defensive third basemen last year, and you showed up to training out of shape.’ He criticized Devers for feeling disrespected when the Red Sox signed a Gold Glove third baseman, Alex Bregman, adding, ‘That’s not how you look at baseball.’ At the time, Ortiz’s words felt like a harsh wake-up call for the young player.
Fast forward to a recent interview on the ‘Baseball Isn’t Boring’ podcast, and Ortiz’s tone has softened dramatically. ‘I have so much love and respect for Devers,’ he told host Rob Bradford. ‘Things happen in the game, but that’s my boy. I met him when he was 15, and I’ll always cheer for him.’ Ortiz even suggested that Devers learned from his mistakes in Boston, calling him ‘a great player’ and ‘a beast.’ So, what sparked this 180-degree turn?
And this is the part most people miss: Ortiz hinted at a deeper lesson here. ‘Sometimes as a player, we think we have everything figured out until somebody steps in and lets you know what’s up,’ he said. Could Ortiz be acknowledging that his own criticism played a role in Devers’ growth? Or is he simply trying to mend fences now that Devers is thriving in San Francisco?
The backstory is just as intriguing. Devers’ relationship with the Red Sox soured in 2025 after he refused to switch from DH to first base following Triston Casas’ season-ending injury. This standoff ultimately led to his trade. At the time, Ortiz urged Devers to prioritize the team’s needs, saying, ‘He needs to know he’s an important piece for this organization.’ But now, Ortiz seems to be letting bygones be bygones, even admitting, ‘Even in the biggest family, [expletive] happens.’
Here’s the controversial question: Is Ortiz’s newfound admiration for Devers a genuine reflection of the player’s growth, or is it a calculated move to save face after his earlier criticism? And does Devers even care about Ortiz’s opinion now that he’s starting fresh with the Giants?
One thing’s for sure: Ortiz’s words carry weight, and his shift in tone is hard to ignore. Whether you see it as a heartfelt change of heart or a strategic PR move, it’s a fascinating development in the world of baseball. What do you think? Is Ortiz’s praise sincere, or is there more to the story? Let us know in the comments!
