Giants legend delivers verdict on Rafael Devers' defense at first base

Former San Francisco Giants infielder J.T. Snow sees meaningful potential in Rafael Devers' transition to first base. Devers joined the Giants on June 15 via a blockbuster trade that sent Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks, James Tibbs III and Jose Bello to the Red Sox.

Snow played 15 seasons in the MLB and won six consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1995 to 2000. He played for the Giants from 1997 to 2005 and 2008. The NL West powerhouse honored him with his induction to the San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame in 2008.

The 57-year-old Giants legend shared his thoughts about Devers on Saturday's episode of "Splash City Territory," hosted by former teammate F.P. Santangelo.

"I thought he was good," Snow said (Timestamp: 13:36). "He made a couple of mistakes early on, but he's willing to play, and I thought he handled himself well. I think if you can play third base, then in time you can go over there and be good. I was impressed."

"He made a couple of weird decisions early on, but that's to be expected," he added. "We're in such an era now, in society, where we’re so quick to judge. One game, 'Oh, the guy can’t play.' But give people time. I mean, if people saw me play one or two games, they’d be like, 'You make it?'"

Before joining the Giants, Rafael Devers played primarily at third base for the Red Sox. Alex Bregman's arrival forced Devers' move to the DH role and the eventual trade to San Francisco. He allegedly refused to play first base for the Red Sox.

Giants legend shares thoughts on top prospect's future at first base

In the same conversation, J.T. Snow spoke positively about the Giants' No.1 prospect, Bryce Eldridge. The 21-year-old first baseman debuted for the Giants in September but underwent surgery to remove a bone spur in October.

Snow disclosed that multiple evaluators have noticed exponential growth in Eldrige. The retired first baseman has also witnessed growth every time he visited the team.

"He's learned. He’s a great kid. I think he can be an everyday first baseman. He’s going to hit homers, he’s going to strike out, and I think he's going to be okay at first base," Snow said (Timestamp: 16:52).

Eldridge is eight years younger than Devers. The Giants might see him as a long-term investment at first base if Snow's prediction comes true. If this comes to fruition, Devers will have to shift to a permanent DH role.