Manny Ramirez Offers to Help Rafael Devers with 'Whatever He Needs' Amid Red Sox Slump

Rafael Devers has had a brutal start to the 2025 season, going hitless in 19 at-bats with a whopping 15 strikeouts.

It's been grim, but a Boston Red Sox legend has offered to lend a hand.

"I'm willing to help him. My doors are open, I can give him good advice," Manny Ramirez told MLB reporter Héctor Gómez. "Whatever he needs, I'm here. If he wants to talk to me, I'm here to help him with my experience, give him good advice, and talk to him about what I went through. Remember, I played right field in Cleveland, and when I arrived in Boston, they put me in left field. At first, I didn't like the decision, but later I realized it was the best thing for me."

Ramirez was referencing Devers being moved to designated hitter this offseason after starting his career as a third baseman. The Red Sox made the change after signing star third baseman Alex Bregman this winter, a far better defensive player than Devers, though Devers wasn't thrilled about the decision.

He isn't blaming the move for his recent issues, however.

"I never change the way I hit. I'm still aggressive," Devers told reporters on Monday. "Maybe I'm thinking too much on the plan, on what the pitcher might throw. Otherwise, I feel very good."

And manager Alex Cora doesn't seem overly concerned with the slump.

"It's not the shoulder," he told reporters, referencing Devers only making 15 plate appearances during spring training due to shoulder soreness and inflammation dating back to last season. "It's not the DH thing. He was very vocal about it a few days ago. The shoulder is fine. Now, it's a matter of keep working hard and getting to the point of hitting the ball out in front. It's a little behind."

"He's going to keep playing," Cora continued. "He's going to hit second for us. He will hit, there's no doubt about it. It's just a matter of when."

Devers, 28, has always hit well. The three-time All-Star has hit 20 or more home runs six times in his career, 30 homers three times and has three seasons with 100 or more RBI. Last year, he hit .272 with 28 homers, 83 RBI, 87 runs and a .871 OPS.

He's a key figure for these Red Sox and, amidst his struggles, the team has started just 1-4. After an exciting offseason, the good vibes surrounding Boston have been dampened.

Ultimately, a poor five-game stretch in a 162-game season can easily become an afterthought if Devers returns to form. This stretch has been particularly horrid, however, to the point that a former team legend like Ramirez has felt the need to offer his assistance.