In a season that promised potential, the Boston Red Sox are grappling with early setbacks, particularly from star player Rafael Devers. After a disappointing record of just one win in five games, the team is looking to turn things around as they navigate through a challenging start to the 2025 MLB season.
Devers, a three-time All-Star and one of baseball's premier hitters, has found himself in an unprecedented slump. Known for his offensive prowess, Devers has recorded a staggering 15 strikeouts in his first five games, setting a new record for the most strikeouts at the start of a season. His struggles have mirrored those of the Red Sox, who suffered a tough 8-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards in their home opener on March 31, 2025.
In the first five games of the season, Devers' performance has been alarming. He went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the opener, followed by another 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in the second game. The third game saw him go 0-for-4 again, though he managed a walk and an RBI. The fourth game continued the trend with another 0-for-4 performance, featuring two more strikeouts. Finally, in the fifth game, he went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and two walks. These numbers have left fans and analysts questioning what has gone wrong for the talented third baseman.
Adding to the intrigue, Devers made history by being the first player to strike out 10 times in a team's first three games and then 12 times in the first four games. His total of 15 strikeouts shattered the previous record of 13, held by Pat Burrell and Byron Buxton. The numbers are staggering for a player who has been a cornerstone of the Red Sox lineup since 2019, consistently delivering impressive statistics including three seasons with over 30 home runs and 100 RBIs.
Underlying factors may be contributing to Devers' uncharacteristic performance. After a season-ending shoulder injury in 2024, Devers lost his job at third base to newly signed Alex Bregman, forcing him to transition to the designated hitter role. This change has not been without controversy; Devers expressed his reluctance to move from third base, stating, "Third base is my position," when he signed a $331 million extension in January 2023. Despite this rocky transition, he later indicated a willingness to adapt for the team's benefit.
Moreover, Devers' spring training was limited due to shoulder concerns, leaving him with only 14 at-bats before the regular season began. This lack of preparation may have resulted in rustiness, as evidenced by a significant drop in his average bat speed from 72.5 mph in 2024 to 70.3 mph in 2025. His fast-swing rate has also plummeted from 34.2% in 2023 to just 12.2% this season. These metrics paint a concerning picture for a player who has been a dominant force at the plate.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora has noted that the issues may be mechanical rather than physical. Cora stated, "It's not the shoulder. It's not the DH thing. He was very vocal about it a few days ago, and the shoulder is fine. Now, it's a matter of keep working hard and getting to the point of hitting the ball out in front." He emphasized that while Devers is struggling, he is not chasing pitches outside the strike zone, which is a positive sign.
Looking ahead, the Red Sox must find a way to recalibrate as they aim for postseason success. With Devers at the center of their lineup, his resurgence is crucial for the team's aspirations. The Red Sox currently hold a 1-4 record, far from the lofty expectations set during the offseason. The performances of Jarren Duran, Devers, and Bregman, who have combined for just 11 hits in 62 at-bats, are contributing to the team's struggles.
As the team prepares for their next games, the pressure mounts for Devers to break through this early-season slump. Cora remains optimistic, suggesting that Devers is close to finding his rhythm at the plate. "There was one swing in the last at-bat that I was like, 'OK, we're getting there,' — the foul ball to left field," Cora said. "He was behind the ball, and he actually got the barrel to it. Good at-bat, too."
Historically, players who have started the season with similar hitless streaks have managed to recover and go on to have solid seasons. For instance, Don Baylor began the 1982 season 0-for-20 but finished with 24 home runs. Similarly, J.D. Drew started 0-for-25 in 2005 but ended with a respectable batting average and power numbers. However, the unprecedented number of strikeouts raises concerns about Devers' ability to bounce back.
With the season still in its early stages, there is time for Devers to find his footing. The Red Sox organization and their fans remain hopeful that he can shake off this rough start and return to form. As Devers himself stated, "Obviously this is not a position that I've done in the past. So I need to get used to it. But I feel good, I feel good." The coming weeks will be critical for him and the Red Sox as they aim to turn their season around.
