BOSTON — In a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, Rafael Devers etched his name into the Boston Red Sox record books by becoming the youngest player in the team’s storied history to hit 200 career home runs. Devers’ milestone came with a colossal three-run shot in the fourth inning off Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly, traveling 414 feet to center field at Fenway Park and giving the Red Sox a 4-0 lead.
The momentous homer not only highlighted Devers’ impressive power but also underscored his rapid rise in Major League Baseball. At just 27 years and 306 days old, Devers surpassed Jim Rice, who had previously set the record for youngest to reach the 200-homer mark with the Red Sox at 28 years and 62 days old.
Devers joins a prestigious list, becoming only the 31st player in MLB history to hit 200 home runs before turning 28. He is part of an elite group of active players, including Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Manny Machado, and Giancarlo Stanton, who have reached this milestone. Moreover, Devers is recognized for his balanced attack, being one of only 10 players to have amassed over 200 homers, 250 doubles, and an OPS of at least .850 at his age.
The esteemed “200-homer club” for the Red Sox includes legendary names such as Ted Williams, David Ortiz, and Carl Yastrzemski, indicating the significance of Devers’ feat. With his 28th homer of the season, Devers is on track to possibly surpass his career-best of 38 home runs achieved in the 2021 season. Currently, his season statistics stand impressively at .293/.373/.579, complemented by 33 doubles and 80 RBIs.
Devers’ landmark home run on Sunday was his sole hit of the day but was a decisive one, encapsulating his critical role in the team’s offensive lineup and further cementing his status as one of the premier young talents in the sport today.
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Source: New York Post