How Much Did the Red Sox Miss Rafael Devers? The Numbers Tell the Story
BOSTON — The Red Sox knew Rafael Devers was indispensable. They just didn’t realize how much until he wasn’t there.
When Devers missed time this season with a minor shoulder injury, Boston’s offense went quiet. The team that had spent most of the summer hovering near the top of the league in slugging suddenly looked ordinary. Without their All-Star third baseman, the Red Sox averaged just 3.1 runs per game, down nearly two full runs from their season average when he played.
“It’s like the whole lineup breathes differently when Raffy’s not in there,” manager Alex Cora said. “He changes everything—from how pitchers attack us to how our guys see pitches.”
The Power Vacuum
In Devers’ absence, Boston’s slugging percentage dropped from .446 to .369, while its OPS fell by over 100 points. The ripple effect was obvious. Without Devers anchoring the cleanup spot, opposing teams attacked the middle of the order with more confidence. The Red Sox, once known for their relentless pressure, suddenly struggled to manufacture big innings.
Even more striking was how Boston’s overall approach changed. The team chased more pitches outside the zone and saw fewer fastballs in the strike zone, evidence of how much opposing pitchers respected Devers’ bat. His presence forces mistakes; his absence invites caution.
“He’s our tone-setter,” said teammate Triston Casas. “When he walks into the box, pitchers get tense. When he’s not there, you can feel the difference in the dugout.”
More Than Numbers
While the data makes a compelling case, the emotional impact was just as clear. Devers’ swagger and energy—the smile after a double, the chest tap after a big RBI—give the Red Sox personality. Without him, the team looked flat. Fenway Park felt quieter.
“He’s one of those players who lifts everyone,” Cora said. “You don’t realize how much until he’s gone.”
Devers has quietly become one of the most consistent hitters in baseball. Over the last three seasons, he’s averaged 30 home runs, 100 RBIs, and an OPS near .900. But what separates him is his ability to perform in the biggest moments. Since 2021, he ranks among the league’s best in late-and-close situations, often thriving when the pressure peaks.
A Blueprint for the Future
The Red Sox have been candid about building their next contender around Devers. The organization’s decision to sign him to a long-term deal last year wasn’t just financial—it was cultural. He’s their cornerstone, the face of the next great Boston team.
In a season marked by inconsistency, Devers’ absence served as a stark reminder of that truth. The Red Sox don’t just need him—they revolve around him.
“He’s the engine,” said shortstop Trevor Story. “When he’s going, we’re all going.”
The numbers agree. With Devers in the lineup, the Red Sox outscored opponents by 45 runs. Without him, they were outscored by 22. His WAR (Wins Above Replacement) places him among the top five hitters in the American League, underscoring just how critical he is to Boston’s success.
As the Red Sox look ahead, one thing is undeniable: if they’re going to compete for October glory again, it starts and ends with Rafael Devers. The stats prove it. The team feels it. And Fenway Park knows it every time he steps to the plate.
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