If Rafael Devers could make a call to MIT and get himself a high-tech “torpedo bat,” now would be the time.
The Red Sox’s star slugger, now primarily serving as a designated hitter, is off to a disastrous start in 2025, going hitless in his first 16 at-bats with a staggering 12 strikeouts.
As Boston stumbles out of the gate with a 1-3 record, frustration is already mounting.
Former Red Sox closer and NESN analyst Jonathan Papelbon didn’t hold back in his assessment of Devers’ struggles on the network’s postgame show.
“Maybe [Rafael Devers] is out of shape,” Papelbon said. “Maybe we gotta trim a little bit of fat… Know what happens when you trim fat? Pigs squeal… You trim fat, pigs squeal. That’s what you’re looking for- your pigs to squeal. They hit home runs.”
Beyond fitness concerns, Papelbon also pointed to a mechanical issue, noting that Devers’ timing appears off at the plate.
“His front foot is getting down late,” Papelbon observed, speculating that the slugger is simply not ready to hit when he steps into the batter’s box. He also suggested Devers is struggling to catch up to fastballs.
The Red Sox limped through their opening series against the Texas Rangers, while their archrivals, the Yankees, made a statement by crushing the Brewers in a dominant sweep.
For Devers, this rough stretch comes on the heels of a turbulent offseason.
After the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman – one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball – to take over at the hot corner, Devers initially resisted the move to designated hitter.
“Third base is my position. It’s what I’ve played,” Devers told reporters back in February.
Eventually, he relented, but the transition has been anything but smooth.
Adding to concerns, Devers showed up to camp at 245 pounds – heavier than his usual playing weight of 235-237 pounds since 2019.
A shoulder injury sidelined him for much of spring training, which may have contributed to his slow start.
Now, as Boston looks to regroup, Devers will have a chance to turn things around when the Red Sox open a three-game series against the Orioles on Monday.
We know how long the MLB season is and we’re just getting started. Having said that, just how concerned should Sox fans be about the struggling Devers???
