Rafael Devers Achieves Unprecedented Milestone with 163 Games Played
Rafael Devers has carved his name into the annals of Major League Baseball history in a way that few players ever have: by playing 163 games in a single regular season. While it may seem impossible to exceed the standard 162-game schedule, Devers’ unique situation allows him to claim this rare accomplishment.
The Unusual Circumstances Behind 163 Games
Typically, 162 games is the ceiling for any player in a Major League season. However, a trade can create an opening, and that’s precisely what transpired when Devers moved from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants. At the time of the trade, Boston had already played one more game than San Francisco. This meant that Devers had the opportunity to step into the Giants’ lineup and play an extra game compared to his former team.
Coupled with his remarkable durability—Devers participated in every game of the season—this fortunate sequence of events culminated in his playing time totaling 163 games. According to MLB Network’s Sarah Langs, this achievement marks only the 34th occurrence of such a feat in MLB history.
Joining an Elite Club
Since 1990, Devers is among a select group of players to have reached this milestone, joining a distinguished list that includes:
Cal Ripken Jr. (1996)
Todd Zeile (1996)
Albert Belle (1998)
Hideki Matsui (2003)
Justin Morneau (2008)
Each of these players etched their names into the record books under unique circumstances, and Devers can now proudly count himself among them.
Looking Toward the Future
While Devers may not have met his own high expectations since joining the Giants, the future remains promising. With a decade of potential ahead of him, Devers has demonstrated to the San Francisco fanbase that he is committed to being a consistent presence on the field. His relentless work ethic and dedication to showing up every day will be key as the Giants aim to build a competitive team that can contend for championships in the coming years.
As Devers continues to settle into his new home, his ability to play every game this season has not only solidified his reputation but also bolstered the Giants’ aspirations for success in 2026 and beyond.
