Red Sox star Rafael Devers has been off to a horrendous start this 2025 season. The newly assigned designated hitter through two games is 0-8 with 7 strikeouts. Devers' early season struggles can be taken with a grain of salt, considering the former 3rd baseman is only two games into the season.
It is the worst possible start, however, and it is time to wonder if Devers has mentally moved past not being the team's everyday third baseman. The sooner that can happen, the better, because the Red Sox will need his batting prowess.
The struggles of the three-time All-Star seem to be part of a troubling trend that started during spring training. In five games, Devers had a batting average of .214 while striking out five times in 14 at-bats. This came after a tumultuous time between Devers and Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who decided that former Houston Astro and gold glover Alex Bregman would be the official third baseman for the club. This decision bothered Devers, and it seems to have affected his performance during the early part of the season.
Devers Isn't Concerned About Slow Start
After the 4-1 loss to the Texas Rangers, Devers attempted to shake off concerns about his poor performance in the first two games. Speaking with Masslive's Sean McAdam, Devers said, "It's only been two games" and "I feel comfortable at the plate. I feel good."
Devers has said the right things despite his struggles, but that doesn't change the fact that, in 22 total at-bats (spring training and regular season), Devers has struck out more than half the time (12).
Rafael Devers wasn't down whatsoever after the game. Says he's feeling good. Doesn't think it has anything to do with how he handled St. Just noted it's only been 2 games.
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) March 29, 2025
Also, made it clear that it's time to change the subject about him playing 3B. He's a DH. Good response. pic.twitter.com/sZxBWz4w7j
Not being able to make contact or even get productive outs is not something the Red Sox need from their designated hitter. Manager Alex Cora knows this and believes Devers will turn it around soon. "The at-bats are OK, but he hasn’t been able to cash in. He’s going to keep working. That’s what he’s been doing the whole time. He’ll be alright.” Devers' struggles have been tough to witness, but he seems to have mentally gotten past not being the Sox third baseman, suggesting, "It's time to move on." If that is the case, this should not be a sign of things to come for long regarding the Red Sox DH.
The Red Sox play two more games against the Texas Rangers before the team goes to play the Orioles in Baltimore. How Devers performs will be something to keep an eye on as Red Sox fans anxiously wait for Devers to break out of his current slump.