Rafael Devers discussed how he handles criticism during the season

"No matter what happens, the criticism is just going to be there. So for me, I don’t pay attention to that."

Rafael Devers circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run in a Red Sox Opening Day win over the Mariners. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

By Hayden Bird

April 2, 2024

How Rafael Devers responds to criticism: Rafael Devers carries the weight of expectations as one of the most important players on the 2024 Red Sox. And while the 27-year-old admitted at the end of 2023 that he was “not very happy with my season overall,” the talented infielder said he isn’t affected by outside criticism.

Asked by Christopher Smith of MassLive on Monday if he thinks he’s been unfairly criticized, Devers acknowledged the overarching reality.

“People like you don’t know what’s going on off the field,” Devers told Smith through translator Carlos Villoria Benítez. “There’s always people like you who are going to criticize me.”

Despite hitting 33 home runs and driving in 100 runs a season ago, the third baseman knows there will always be an expectation to do more.

“To be honest, I don’t care how you guys see me during the year,” Devers explained. “No matter what happens, the criticism is just going to be there. So for me, I don’t pay attention to that.”

Looking ahead, he’s taking the long view.

While teammate Brayan Bello is aiming for at least 17 wins this year, Devers said he keeps it simple.

“I never put those kinds of goals on myself,” Devers told Smith when asked if he’s trying to reach specific 2024 stats. “The only thing I ask God is just to keep me healthy. I know the talent that I have. I know if I’m healthy the whole season, everything is going to be OK.”

Trivia: Rafael Devers led the Majors in doubles in 2019 with 54. Who was second that year?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: He was born in Oranjestad, Aruba.

Scores and schedules:

The Celtics defeated the Hornets 118-104 on Monday, with Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser leading Boston with 25 points each. On Wednesday, the Celtics host the Thunder at TD Garden at 7:30 p.m.

Also on Monday, the Red Sox shut out the Athletics 9-0 behind starter Tanner Houck, who threw six scoreless innings while striking out 10. The two teams play again this evening at 9:40 p.m.

Tonight, the Revolution are at Gillette Stadium to play Club América in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup at 9 p.m.

Tomorrow, the Bruins play the Predators in Nashville at 8 p.m.

And while the Red Sox don’t open at Fenway Park until April 9, the Worcester Red Sox open at Polar Park today at 3:05 p.m.

TODAY. pic.twitter.com/DUJTrGc20O
— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) April 2, 2024

More from Boston.com:

Recapping Caitlin Clark’s night: Caitlin Clark, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, carried Iowa into the Final Four with 94-87 win over LSU (avenging the loss to the Tigers in the same round in 2023). Clark finished the night with 41 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds. The Hawkeyes will face Paige Bueckers and UConn in the Final Four on Friday at 9:30 p.m.

On this day: In 1983, Larry Bird paced the Celtics to a 120-117 overtime win over the Washington Bullets with a triple-double (34 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists), and the Bruins fought to a 2-1 loss in Montreal against the Canadiens, but neither of those events was enough to make the first page of the next day’s Boston Globe.

Instead, the Globe (rightfully) devoted its primary focus to that year’s men’s NCAA tournament. And while all eyes naturally gravitated towards Houston’s “Phi Slama Jama” (a team that included future Hall of Fame players Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler), one of the great college basketball cinderella stories (N.C. State) rolled into the final as well.

Elsewhere, the short-lived USFL Boston Breakers drew over 10,000 to Nickerson Field in a win against the Birmingham Stallions, and Alberto Salazar prepared for the Boston Marathon.