Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz found himself at the center of fan backlash on Friday after what appeared to be a subtle dig at former Red Sox star Rafael Devers. Posting a photo of himself standing in front of his retired No. 34 at Fenway Park, Ortiz wrote on his Instagram story:
“The thing is that to have something like this at Boston, you have to just not be a hitter, you have to be the full package all the way around player. Go Sox.”
David Ortiz taking a shot at Rafael Devers on his IG story. pic.twitter.com/X86OmfMc8O
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) June 20, 2025
The message was widely interpreted as a shot at Rafael Devers, who was recently traded to the San Francisco Giants following a rocky season with Boston, one that included his refusal to move to first base when asked by the team.
Fans Accuse David Ortiz Of Hypocrisy For Commenting On Rafael Devers
Devers’ departure came as a surprise. Just a year after signing a massive 10-year, $313.5 million extension, the Red Sox moved him in a blockbuster deal that brought back pitching prospects and depth. While his bat was never in question, the team’s request for Devers to switch to first base sparked tension.
Fans were not happy with Ortiz taking a jibe at Rafael Devers and accused the three-time World Series champion of hypocrisy.
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“I love Papi a while lot, but HE of all people can’t be saying that,” one fan wrote.
I love Papi a while lot, but HE of all people can't be saying that
— アンディ (@a_fields022) June 20, 2025
“I never heard him mention a word about Cora’s cheating. Can’t say anything, because he’s still with the team,” another fan wrote.
I never heard him mention a word about Cora's cheating. Can't say anything, because he's still with the team. 🙃
— Cher Murphy 💃 (@RedSoxMVP) June 20, 2025
“You have to just not be a hitter” my brother in Christ you are DAVID ORTIZ,” another X user commented.
“You have to just not be a hitter” my brother in Christ you are DAVID ORTIZ
— Mister. Biberty🍀 (@MrLiberty1776) June 20, 2025
“Wasn’t he just a hitter?,” one X user replied.
Wasn’t he just a hitter?
— 19Nineteen19 (@golftrout) June 21, 2025
“David Ortiz was only a hitter!!! He thinks he’s Barry,” another fan commented.
David Ortiz was only a hitter!!! He thinks he’s Barry
— Laz Lugo (@Laz_Lugo) June 20, 2025
“ Full package & all-around player” has never been used to describe David Ortiz as a baseball player,” another fan trolled.
“ full package & all-around player” has never been used to describe David Ortiz as a baseball player
— Dylan Drinkwater (@rondo9white9) June 20, 2025
“Says the guy who played 84% of his games as a DH. Hilarious,” one Padres fan taunted.
Says the guy who played 84% of his games as a DH. Hilarious
— Phillip Smith (@philaugust30) June 20, 2025
“So ironic,” another fan commented.
So ironic
— 🦎 (@JoeDeeV2) June 20, 2025
Notably, this is not the first time Ortiz has commented on Rafael Devers and the Red Sox’s controversy.
After Devers was traded to the Giants, Ortiz revealed that he often tried to reach out to Devers and offer advice, but he never returned my messages.
Devers faced his former team on Friday in Game 1 of the series but couldn’t make an impact. He went 0-5 with a strikeout.
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