Rafael Devers of the San Francisco Giants is on the verge of making history this season as one of the few MLB players to participate in 163 regular season games, a rare feat achieved through midseason trades. This puts him on the path to join an exclusive list of 33 players in MLB history, a testament to his durability and dedication on the field.
In contrast to past players who reached this milestone through tiebreaker or postseason play-in games, Devers’ achievement comes from his consistent appearance in each game despite prior concerns about a lingering back issue. The last player to achieve a similar milestone was Justin Morneau in 2008, who played through every game including postseason play-ins.
This year, Devers stands alongside other players such as Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson, who are also on track to play all 162 games. Historically, only 248 players have managed to play every game since the MLB schedule was expanded in the early 1960s. Giants players like Will Clark and Hunter Pence have previously accomplished this feat, marking Devers’ potential achievement as another significant moment in the team’s history.
Critics from Boston might question Devers’ credentials or his transition to his new role as a designated hitter and first baseman, but his resilience and consistent play defy such narratives. While Devers may not currently hold Hall of Fame credentials, his performance and stats highlight him as a significant player in the current season. Comparisons to players like Justin Morneau in 2008 and his predecessors at the Giants show that Devers is maintaining an admirable level of performance in terms of home runs and walks, even if his overall statistics in doubles and triples differ slightly.
Devers’ journey and performance this season might not cement him as the best player to achieve this milestone, given the presence of Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken Jr. and others on the list, but it certainly places him in a noteworthy spot. This achievement reflects his commitment to the game and his contribution to the Giants, painting a positive picture of his career progression and commitment to the sport. Ultimately, joining this elite group would serve as a notable accomplishment for Devers and a proud chapter for Giants fans.