Is it Time to Panic About Rafael Devers?

Red Sox Designated Hitter Rafael Devers has started his 2025 campaign on a historic run, but not one he was aiming for. In the first four games of the season, Devers has 0 hits in 16 plate appearances, has struck out in 12 of those at-bats, and has walked only twice. This comes after his spring training performance, which saw Devers hit .214 with a .552 OPS.

C/O to apnews.com

One of the biggest potential factors as to why Devers is struggling so much is likely his move from 3B to DH. Just before the season opener in Texas, the long disputed battle for the 3B position was won by newcomer Alex Bregman, forcing Devers to an everyday DH role. The switch came after a drama-filled offseason where Devers all but demanded his fielding position despite Bregman's proven, Gold Glove-caliber ability at the position.

So should we panic about Devers?

In short... No. Devers' move to DH may have some growing pains at first but, with time, the new role should only improve his hitting since the extra weight of fielding responsibilities has been taken away. One can only hope that Devers will spend all of his time in the batting cages over the next few weeks in order to get over this slump.

A drought like this, where he uncharacteristically has been swinging hard and late on almost every pitch, seems to be more of a mental issue. Devers came into Spring Training unhappy and arguably out of shape. Considering that on top of his lack of ball-to-eye coordination, it adds to the extra stress and anxiety that comes with the start of a new season. It can be expected that his poor hitting streak will continue for a few more games. However, Raffy is way too good of a hitter for this horrific start to continue in the long term. When he gets his swing back and builds some confidence, we will likely see the old 2019 Devers show up at the plate or maybe something even better.

We are only at game 4 of 162 after all.

One thing to take note of is his attitude concerns. While it may turn out to be nothing, to say that Rafael Devers (who is THE guy on the Red Sox whether he likes it or not) didn't roll out the "Welcome Wagon" for Alex Bregman after his arrival is an understatement. Devers is in the second year of his monster $313 million contract and as such, should be a huge part of team decisions. However, his refusal to leave 3B, even after Bregman's signing, was unwarranted and a bit childish.

C/O to nesn.com

Absolutely NO ONE will argue that Bregman isn't a better 3B than Devers in the field. Devers has consistently rated amongst the worst fielding third basemen over the past several years, and we know Bregman's history after winning a Gold Glove last season.

So, the fact that Devers started drama as soon as the Sox brought in a huge FA, (and Bregman's signing was HUGE for the team) and then starts the season as poorly as he has, shows a major attitude problem that should have the team and fans concerned.

With that being said, this is still Raffy Devers, the best hitter on the team and a top-10 slugger in the American League. It may take a while, but I believe that in just a couple of weeks, Bregman and Devers will build a stable relationship, the team will start to really click, and Devers will be back to his normal self.

After all, it only takes one to get going.

Let's check back in soon though... Just in case.

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Make sure to stay tuned as we continue coverage of the 2025 Boston Red Sox.

-Z.D.