Rafael Devers is off to a nightmare start at the plate this season, going 0-8 with seven strikeouts through the first two games while adjusting to his new role as designated hitter.
The Red Sox slugger struck out three times on Opening Day, then followed that with an even worse performance Friday afternoon when he fanned in all four plate appearances. It’s been a brutal beginning for a player who’s built his reputation on consistent offensive production.
What makes this situation more complicated is the positional change that’s clearly bothering Devers. The Red Sox announced Wednesday that newcomer Alex Bregman will take over at third base, pushing Devers to DH despite his vocal preference to remain at the hot corner.
“We had conversations throughout Spring Training, and [Devers] was very vocal about how he felt,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora told the New York Post. “We made a decision. Alex is going to play third, and [Devers] is going to DH. We all are in the winning business, and [Devers] understands that.”
The decision comes after Boston signed Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract this offseason. That’s a significant investment, but it’s still dwarfed by the 10-year commitment the Red Sox made to Devers in January 2023.
Throughout spring training, Devers remained adamant that he was still the team’s third baseman. Now that he’s been moved off the position, his early-season struggles at the plate raise questions about whether the defensive change is affecting his offensive approach.
The good news for Devers? His track record suggests this is just a temporary slump. He hit .272 with 28 home runs and 83 RBIs last season, and has been one of the most consistent offensive performers in baseball throughout his career.
But right now, the only direction his season can go is up.
