The Boston Red Sox kicked off the 2025 season brimming with optimism, looking to rebound and secure a playoff spot after a flurry of high-profile roster changes. Key additions like Garrett Crochet, Aroldis Chapman, and Walker Buehler have strengthened the pitching staff, while the acquisition of superstar Alex Bregman has generated fireworks – both on and off the field.
However, Bregman’s arrival wasn’t without its share of drama, particularly regarding franchise cornerstone Rafael Devers. Initially resistant to shifting from his established role at third base, Devers ultimately accepted the designated hitter position as the team geared up for the new season. Unfortunately, his transition hasn’t gone smoothly, and the early results are raising eyebrows.
Devers has endured a rough start, setting an unwanted record by racking up 10 strikeouts in the opening series against the opposing teams. This isn’t just a rough patch; it marks the most strikeouts recorded in the first three games of a season in Major League Baseball history.
In response to Devers’ struggles, the Red Sox coaching staff is keen on making some adjustments to enhance his offensive performance. “Everyone agrees the problem is related to his inability to catch up to fastballs,” reported Sean McAdam of MassLive. Manager Alex Cora, along with others, believes they may have pinpointed an aspect of Devers’ batting set-up that could address his difficulties.
Notably, Devers has altered his batting stance this season, positioning his front foot nearly perpendicular to the pitcher. Cora has indicated that this adjustment might be at the core of Devers’ early-season woes. “Obviously, we know that he’s not getting on fastballs; how we’re going to get there is the question,” Cora stated, emphasizing the need for some strategic modifications.
As the Red Sox prepare to face off against their division rivals, the Baltimore Orioles, Devers finds himself at a critical juncture. This series will provide him with an opportunity to implement the coaching adjustments and shake off the burden of his historic strikeout total. As fans, we will be watching closely to see if Devers can rediscover his rhythm and get back to being a game-changing force in the lineup.
