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Devers' Slow Start: Is He Swinging at the Wrong Pitches?
31 Mar
Summary
- Devers' zone contact rate is alarmingly low at 57.9 percent.
- He makes contact on 77.8 percent of pitches outside the strike zone.
- Devers has struck out more times than he has recorded hits.
Rafael Devers, who was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants last season, is off to a slow start in 2026. The three-time All-Star, known for his hitting prowess, is struggling with his zone contact rate, according to recent analysis.
FanGraphs data indicates Devers is seeing approximately 52 percent of pitches in the strike zone but is only making contact on 57.9 percent of them. Conversely, he is connecting with 77.8 percent of pitches outside the zone. This pattern suggests he is swinging at many pitches he shouldn't.
This slow start, marked by more strikeouts than hits in the initial three games of the season, has drawn attention. While the season is young and he is expected to improve, his current struggles might offer a sense of validation to the Red Sox organization.
