What did we all expect from Rafael Devers in his new role? Devers hitting it big out of the park as a designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox. However, the 2025 MLB season has rather turned into a debacle for the slugger. Over the initial five games, he amassed 15 strikeouts in 19 at-bats, surpassing the previous record of 14 strikeouts in the first five games of a season and 10 of those were in the first three games. That’s a worrying sign for the Red Sox as well as for Devers, right?
Definitely! Now, former MLB general manager of both the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals, Jim Bowden made some surprising revelations about the sudden slump Rafael Devers has been facing in his career. Well, ever since the Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman, Rafael Devers has been shifted to a new position as a designated hitter from his previous third base position.
However, when asked about Devers’ difficulties in a recent interview on the Foul Territory podcast, Jim Bowden emphasized the causes of his struggles. Jim Bowden says, “The other physical reason is he’s overweight. You don’t have to be a genius to look at the video of him a year ago and look at him now.”
Four reasons for Rafael Devers’ alarming struggles, from @JimBowdenGM:
• The way Boston handled Alex Bregman
• Not everyone can DH
• His shoulders aren’t healthy
• He’s overweight
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/GeHyQSWkh5
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) April 1, 2025
Rafael Devers has certainly gained a lot of weight in recent years, and that might be a reason behind his struggles. Bowden even suggested that Boston should take good care of him, allowing him to connect with nutritionists and medical professionals. And that perhaps might be helpful for getting him back in shape.
However, Devers has begun to find his rhythm at the plate. Against the Baltimore Orioles, Devers broke his hitless streak with a crucial RBI double in the fifth inning, contributing to the Red Sox’s 3-0 victory. He expressed relief and optimism, stating, “I knew it was gonna come.”
Building on this momentum, Devers delivered an impressive performance in the Red Sox’s home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. He reached base four times, including a pivotal RBI single in the seventh inning, helping to secure a 13-9 win for Boston. Over the past three games, Devers has significantly improved his stats, going 5-for-11 with only one strikeout.
Devers will definitely only get better in the upcoming games. Meanwhile, an MLB insider has made some unique predictions that are definitely going to put smiles in the faces of many.
Rafael Devers predicted to make record by MLB insider
Despite these early-season woes for Rafael Devers, MLB insider David Schoenfield has made some surprising predictions about Devers. Despite the slump in performance, Schoenfield has instilled faith in the slugger in the new role as a designated hitter. He said, “He’ll shake off his slow start, play more games at DH than third base and produce his fourth 30-homer season.” That’s quite a bold prediction amid the struggles Devers is facing; however, do you think it will be possible?
Well, the 28-year-old slugger had a good 2024 season, as he had a 525 AB, posted 28 home runs and 83 RBIs, and batted at an average of .272 with a .354 OBP and .870 OPS. His impressive track record highlights his offensive ability and David Schoenfield has high hopes of such consistency prevailing. He must, however, lose some weight and engage in spring training to make sure he regains his peak form. Once it happens, there will be no turning back for Rafael Devers. And we all expect the same to happen, right?
What do you think might be the reason behind Rafael Devers’ struggles in the recent games? Do let us know in the comment section below.
The post Former MLB GM Drops Blunt Rafael Devers Verdict amid Historic Slump: Is the Extra Weight Weighing Red Sox Star Down? appeared first on EssentiallySports.