The 2025 MLB season has already begun, but for Rafael Devers, it’s already shaping up to be a rough ride. Once a feared slugger for the Red Sox, Devers has started the season in a brutal slump. In the opening series against the Texas Rangers, Devers went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering: What’s going on with the three-time All-Star?

And now, it seems, even his weight is part of the conversation!

After Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the Rangers, Red Sox legend Jonathan Papelbon, now an NESN baseball analyst, did not hold back! “Maybe Devers is out of shape, game shape, playing shape,” Papelbon remarked on live TV. “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 – for your pigs to squeal. They hit home runs.”

While Papelbon’s comments were blunt, they reflected a growing concern about Devers’ performance. His swings are slower, and his timing? Off by margins as he has struggled to get his front foot down early in his at-bats.

Devers’ struggles haven’t just been a series of missed hits. With a disappointing 0.000 average through four games, it’s hard to notice that the numbers paint a troubling picture. He has struck out in every game so far, totaling 12 whiffs to start the season. In fact, Devers even set an unfortunate MLB record during the opening series, with a slash line of .000/.111/.000.  While 16 at-bats might seem like a small sample size, the stakes are higher for the 245-pound slugger this year.

Now, as the season progresses, it’s clear that Devers’ struggles aren’t just about his physical shape but also about adjusting to new expectations and pressure. With so much promise in his bat, Devers must find a way to shake off these early woes. After all, the 2025 season has just begun, and for a player with the potential Devers possesses, it’s never too late to turn things around!

Manager Alex Cora breaks silence on Devers’ DH struggles

The Boston Red Sox‘s crushing defeat at the hands of the Texas Rangers left fans reeling, but it was Rafael Devers’ struggles that stole the spotlight. Once a key player at third base, Devers was shifted to the designated hitter role to make room for Alex Bregman. However, the move intended to bolster the lineup has instead highlighted Devers’ discomfort in his new position.

In a post-game interview with NESN, Red Sox manager Alex Cora addressed Devers’ struggles and the challenges that came with his positional change. “Not catching up with the fastball. He’s gonna keep working. That’s what he’s been doing the whole time, and he’ll be alright,” Cora said while reassuring fans.

Despite the shaky start, Cora’s words offered a glimmer of hope, signaling that Devers is dedicated to improving and finding rhythm in the new role. However, there is no point in denying that the pressure is mounting. The weight of expectations is heavy, and his early-season performance has fans questioning whether this change is more of a hindrance than a help.

With almost 160 games remaining, Devers has plenty of time to turn things around. The Red Sox are counting on their star hitter to shake off these early struggles and get back to doing what he does best – hitting sky-high homers and racking up runs!