Rafael Devers is making headlines as he chases a historic season with the San Francisco Giants, aiming for 40 home runs and 100 RBIs as the team faces a challenging 2026 campaign.
Why it matters: Devers is on the verge of joining an elite group of Giants players. Achieving both milestones would place him among legends like Barry Bonds and Willie Mays, highlighting his impact even in a difficult season for the team.
As of September 7, 2026, Devers has 35 home runs and 91 RBIs, leading the majors in doubles.
If he reaches 100 RBIs, he will be the first Giant to do so since Buster Posey in 2012.
Hitting 40 homers would mark the first time a Giant has done so since Barry Bonds in 2004.
Devers aims to join Bonds, Orlando Cepeda, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Kevin Mitchell as the only Giants with a 40-100 season since the franchise moved to San Francisco.
Driving the news: Devers has been on a remarkable hot streak, hitting six home runs, seven walks, and 13 RBIs over his last seven games before September 7.
In his last 21 games, Devers has totaled 11 homers, 14 walks, and 25 RBIs, boasting a 1.255 OPS, ranking among the best in the league.
His recent performance compares favorably to Giants legends, with only Bonds, McCovey, and Dave Kingman achieving similar feats in franchise history.
Manager Tony Vitello likened Devers' impact to that of sports icons Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, noting his ability to control the game.
Devers has become more vocal in team meetings, sharing insights and strategies that have contributed to his success.
State of play: The Giants entered September with a disappointing 54-78 record, making Devers' achievements even more notable.
His early season was rocky, with a .537 OPS in March and April, ranking 171st among 181 qualified hitters.
After a slow start, Devers has rebounded, posting an OPS of at least .833 in the following four months.
By September 8, his full-season slash line improved to .258/.338/.517, along with a 133 wRC+ in 144 games.
Devers has seven years remaining on his contract, with $211 million owed, making his performance key for the team's future.
The big picture: Devers' chase for 40 home runs and 100 RBIs has captured attention, especially as he leads MLB in doubles.
He needs five home runs in the remaining 18 games to reach 40, a feat not accomplished since Brandon Belt in 2016.
Devers has shown he can hit multiple home runs in consecutive games, increasing optimism about reaching his goals.
His ability to perform under pressure has made him a focal point for fans, even as the team struggles.
Devers' arrival in San Francisco was marked by high expectations, and he is beginning to fulfill those promises.
What they're saying: Analysts and fans alike are discussing Devers' potential impact on Giants history.
“It’s been like watching Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant,” said manager Tony Vitello, praising Devers' game-changing abilities.
Giants Talk hosts noted that Devers could achieve one of the best statistical seasons in franchise history if he continues at his current pace.
Fans are excited about Devers' chase for records, seeing it as a bright spot in an otherwise tough season.
“He’s going to end up with one of the best statistical seasons in Giants history,” one analyst remarked, emphasizing his importance to the team.
By the numbers: Devers' statistics reveal his impressive performance this season.
He has 35 home runs, 91 RBIs, and leads MLB in doubles with 35.
His OPS since May 1 is .945, ranking third in the majors.
Devers' WAR since May is 3.9, tying him for sixth-most in the league.
In a historical perspective, only eight players in Giants history have achieved a 35-homer, 35-double season.
What's next: As the season winds down, attention will turn to Devers and his pursuit of these milestones.
With 18 games left, he has a realistic chance to hit 40 homers and 100 RBIs.
Fans and analysts will closely monitor his performance as he approaches these historic numbers.
Devers’ continued success will be integral to the Giants' plans moving forward into the offseason.
His ability to maintain this level of play will be key in justifying his hefty contract and solidifying his status as a franchise player.