In a season that's already pitching curveballs, Rafael Devers has struck out 15 times in his first five games, setting a new MLB record—perhaps he's just training for the next 'Strike Out Olympics.'

With a staggering 0-for-19 start and a record 15 strikeouts, Devers is not just swinging and missing—he's swinging and missing with style, breaking Ian Happ's previous record of 14 strikeouts in the same span. Despite feeling good about his performance and manager Alex Cora ruling out any big changes, fans are left wondering if this is part of Devers’ plan to earn a gold medal in the upcoming amateur league of poor hitting.

Devers’ struggles are particularly surprising considering his previous track record. With a solid career batting average of .278 and an on-base percentage of .344, he’s been known for his engaging batting style, especially with a penchant for driving the ball to left center field. It seems he’s going through a phase where the ball has been playing a very effective game of hide-and-seek.

For fans watching Devers on the diamond, the current series of unfortunate events has likely been a rollercoaster of emotions. They’re used to seeing him locked in at the plate, but this season has felt more like watching someone trying to crack a safe with a rubber chicken. Devers himself, however, maintains a surprising level of positivity. He commented, 'I feel good, and I think my at-bats are improving.' However, his struggles this season have led to a record number of strikeouts, indicating that he is facing significant challenges.

Critics and fans alike have been throwing around theories as to why Devers is struggling so much right out of the gate. Former Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon casually suggested that Devers might be 'out of shape.' It's a bold observation considering baseball isn’t often associated with the strenuous workout routines, unless, of course, you count lifting a bat repeatedly while watching the ball fly elsewhere.

Following the signing of Alex Bregman, Devers transitioned to designated hitter, perhaps as a way to allow him time to focus on his hitting from a less physically demanding position. Some might argue that this should help improve his performance, but instead, it seems he’s been auditioning for the role of Major League Striker instead of a Major League Hitter. Nevertheless, Cora has backed his player and suggested that neither Devers' shoulder nor the DH position are responsible for his early-season woes. Clearly, it’s not the chair; it’s the person sitting in it.

Interestingly enough, despite the record-breaking strikeout slump, Manager Alex Cora seems unfazed. He has not considered any drastic changes, like giving Devers a day off. Cora’s mindset appears to lean towards the idea that the season is young and, in his words, 'There’s no need to panic.' One must appreciate Cora’s calm demeanor in the face of history being written with all the wrong strokes. After all, one has to wonder if the best way to deal with a hitting slump is akin to treating a tantrum-throwing infant—just wait it out and hope for the best.

As the Red Sox look to get back on track, fans can only hope that Devers finds his groove soon. After all, a career is about highs and lows and, apparently, setting records in all categories—even those you’d prefer not to mention. Will Devers turn it around and begin to hit with the same strength and flair that has brought him success in the past? Only time will tell, but until then, he'll continue to inspire quirky headlines and numerous theories about batting techniques, fitness routines, and whether he's secretly training for the world chess championships.

So here we are, watching Devers in a sort of sporting limbo, a swing-and-miss somber fest. Let’s just hope this rough patch turns out to be just that—a patch. In the meantime, Devers should keep his chin up and remember: even the best hitters have to take a few swings at the wind before they find their rhythm again, especially when they’re redefining the art of swinging and missing.