Rafael Devers Achieves Rare 163-Game Milestone

Rafael Devers' unusual achievement of playing 163 games in a single MLB season is a testament to a rare set of circumstances. A regular MLB season consists of 162 games, but Devers managed to exceed this number due to being traded from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants mid-season. He played 73 games with Boston before being traded to San Francisco, where he joined the Giants at their 73rd game of the season.

Prior to 2022, tiebreaker games (Game 163) could contribute to a player exceeding 162 games, as happened with Justin Morneau in 2008. However, with the current postseason format, a mid-season trade is now the primary way a player can reach this milestone. Devers also dealt with a groin injury after the trade, initially limiting him to DH duties, but his commitment to playing allowed him to reach this milestone. Manager Bob Melvin acknowledged Devers' love for the game and his eagerness to be on the field every day.

Due to a mid-season trade from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants, allowing him to accumulate games in both teams' schedules.

Justin Morneau in 2008, who played in a tiebreaker game for the Minnesota Twins.

MLB rule changes eliminated the need for tiebreaker games, making mid-season trades the primary way to achieve this feat.

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