The start of a new season is supposed to bring optimism, a fresh slate, and the promise of better days. But for one of Boston’s most reliable sluggers, the early stretch has been anything but smooth. A controversial offseason decision altered his role in the lineup, and the results have been troubling. Now, frustration is boiling over. But through the struggles, one thing is clear: Red Sox Nation isn’t giving up on their star. The real test now? Rafael Devers’ fight to bounce back.

Rafael Devers has never been one to shy away from a dare, but this season has catapulted him into unfamiliar territory. Following a contentious offseason decision to move him from his long-held position at third base to designated hitter (DH), Devers has struggled at the plate, recording 10 strikeouts in his first 12 at-bats—a historic low, making him the first major league player to strike out 10 times in the first three games of a season. This abrupt change has not only impacted his performance but has also left fans questioning the front office’s strategy.​

His bat, once the most feared in Boston’s lineup, has gone ice-cold. For a player who flourishes on rhythm and routine, this sudden change may be doing more harm than good. Historically, Devers has been an offensive powerhouse—a 3 time All-Star, a World Series champion, and a guy who dispatches big moments. His attacking approach and natural ability to navigate the ball to all fields have made him one of the wildest hitters in baseball. But with this new position, something is not right. His timing is shaky, his swings look uncharacteristically hesitant, and his supporters can sense the frustration every time he steps to the ground.

The situation became even more emotional when a photo appeared on social media showing the Red Sox dugout completely empty, except for Devers sitting alone, looking disappointed. However, Alex Cora is not ready to hit the panic button just yet. “He’s going to be fine,” Cora told reporters. “It is an adjustment, sure, but we know what kind of hitter he is. He has had rough stretches before, and he always finds a way to bounce back“, he said that even the most confident Red Sox fans can not ignore the dazzling struggles. The alternation was never Devers’ idea, and some wonder if the mental side of this shift is chewed over by him more than the team anticipated.

The front office, meanwhile, remains optimistic about its decision. Bringing in Alex Bregman was surely a defensive upgrade, no doubt, but at what cost? Devers made it clear in the offseason that he did not want to move off third base. “Like I said, my position is third base“, he told reporters in February. Now, with the worst start of his career unrolling in real time, many are questioning whether this was truly the choicest move for the team—or if it was solely a move that made sense on paper.

While the Red Sox insist that it is only a matter of time before Devers turns things around, fans are not waiting for answers. If Devers is going to break out of this slump, he will not be doing it alone—he will have the full army of Red Sox Nation behind him.

Red Sox fans support Rafael Devers

Despite the front office’s controversial decision and Rafael Devers’ brutal start, Red Sox fans stay loyal. They know what he is capable of and accuse the team of mishandling the situation. Through the frustration, one thing is clear: Boston fans strongly believe in Rafael Devers.

He is not just good—he is been one of the most dominant hitters in baseball over the last five years, ranking among the top 10 in extra-base hits, RBIs, and slugging percentage since 2019. He played a vital role in Boston’s 2018 World Series run, proving he thrives under pressure. Yet, after a few rough games, he is facing harsh criticism. One fan said, “The respect better be as loud as the disrespect is right now“. This pushback emphasized the unfair scrutiny Devers is facing. Fans think that if he is going to be called out for a slow start, his years of elite production need to be acknowledged just as loudly and clearly. With a forced position change that turns his rhythm upside down, the backlash feels misplaced.

Baseball is never about just a single player. While Devers has struggled, the real problem is the entire Red Sox lineup failing to capitalize on scoring chances. A frustrated fan highlighted, “1-12 RISP the team is sucking right now not just Devers“. The Red Sox have gone just 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position across the first three games, leaving runs on the table. Triston Casas, Masataka Yoshida, and even Alex Bregman have also struggled in grabbing moments. Boston has only scored six total runs, making it obvious that this is a team-wide issue, not just a Devers issue.

Slumps happen, even to the best. Fans are not worried because history depicts Devers always searching for his swing. “He is having a brutal stretch. I have faith in him figuring it out“, one fan said. This optimism is backed by data. Over his 8 seasons with the team, he has amassed a .279 batting average, 1,062 hits, 200 home runs, and 638 RBIs. Even last year, he started slow but finished strong. Devers is streaky, but his downswing never lasts long.

His fight could not just be about mechanics, but also comfort. “Put him back as a 3rd baseman, then he will start to hit“. He has played nearly his whole career at third base, and suddenly posting to DH has disrupted his routine. Historically, he is hitting over .280 while playing third, but now, without the defensive accent, he is pressing too much at the plate. Many hitters struggle at DH because they lose engagement in the game, and Devers seems to be no exception.

If there is one thing about him, it is that he does not stay cold for a long time. “Watch him go off tomorrow“. This confidence is rooted in reality. After a 0-for-15 slump in 2019, in 2023, he responded with a multi-hit game and a homer the next day. In 2021, after a slow start, he blasted three home runs in a single series. Once Devers locks in, the hits come in bunches. So don’t be surprised if tomorrow is the day he reminds everyone who he is.

Rafael Devers’s slump has Red Sox fans shooting up—not in frustration, but in savage defense. The critics are circling. The front office is standing by its decision. The pressure is mounting. But when has adversity ever stopped a Boston star? The comeback isn’t just brewing—it’s inevitable. What do you think?