Rafael Devers' Historic Struggles: Analyzing the Worst Start to an MLB Season in Decades

The Most Alarming Start in MLB History

Rafael Devers, the Boston Red Sox's three-time All-Star, is making the wrong kind of history in 2025. Through his first five games, the 28-year-old slugger has amassed 15 strikeouts without recording a single hit - shattering previous records for early-season futility.

Breaking Down the Unprecedented Struggles

• Game 1: 0-for-4, 3 Ks
• Game 2: 0-for-4, 4 Ks
• Game 3: 0-for-4, 3 Ks, walk, RBI
• Game 4: 0-for-4, 2 Ks, walk
• Game 5: 0-for-3, 3 Ks, 2 walks

Devers has set multiple dubious records:

1. First player with 10+ strikeouts in team's first three games
2. Broke the 4-game strikeout record (12 Ks)
3. Shattered the 5-game strikeout mark (15 Ks, prev. 13)

Potential Causes of the Slump

Positional Controversy:

• Devers voiced displeasure about moving from 3B to DH after Alex Bregman's signing
• Research shows many hitters experience a "DH penalty" in offensive production

Health Concerns:

• Spent offseason rehabbing shoulder issues
• Statcast shows concerning metrics:
  • Bat speed down from 72.5 mph (2024) → 70.3 mph (2025)
  • Fast-swing rate plummeted from 34.2% → 12.2%

Mechanical Issues:

• Manager Alex Cora noted changed foot placement
• Particularly struggling versus fastballs

Historical Context of Early Season Struggles

Most Strikeouts Through 15 Games:

• Yoán Moncada (2018): 29 Ks
• Miguel Sanó (2018): 29 Ks
• Group average: .767 OPS, 20 HR
• Warning Sign: 13 of 16 players saw OPS decline from previous year

What's Next for Devers and the Red Sox?

While manager Alex Cora dismisses concerns ("Small sample size"), the underlying metrics suggest legitimate issues:

• Immediate Focus: Simplifying mechanics
• Long-term Concern: Shoulder health and positional adjustment

As Red Sox Nation holds its breath, all eyes remain on whether the $331 million man can break out of baseball's most shocking early-season slump.