Rafael Devers expressed his reluctance to shift to designated hitter in the offseason following the Boston Red Sox’s acquisition of Alex Bregman for third base.
However, he eventually made the move and is struggling to perform in his new role.
Devers faced three strikeouts in Boston’s recent 4-3 loss to the Texas Rangers, bringing his total to 10 strikeouts, the most by any player in MLB history within the first three games of the season.
With a rough start to the season, Devers, a three-time All-Star, has primarily played at third base throughout his MLB career and is now adjusting to the designated hitter role.
Despite his preference for third base, Devers was moved to designated hitter to accommodate Bregman’s superior defensive skills at third base.
Devers made it clear during spring training that his position is third base, but the Red Sox ultimately made the decision to have Bregman at third base and Devers at designated hitter.
It remains to be seen whether Devers’ struggles at the plate, starting 0-for-12 with 10 strikeouts, are linked to his dissatisfaction with the position change.
However, the situation does raise questions about the impact of the position switch on his performance.