To say Jarren Duran is having a breakout season for the Red Sox probably would be putting it mildly.
Duran, who broke into MLB in 2021, had never even cracked Boston’s Opening Day roster until this year. What was once a pleasant surprise has turned into a season for the ages for the 27-year-old, who picked up where he left off after winning All-Star Game MVP. Duran was sensational in Los Angeles over the weekend, batting 6-for-12 with two home runs, three doubles and seven RBIs.
Duran’s Red Sox teammates surprisingly weren’t surprised the talented outfielder didn’t lose any momentum from the season pause. Rafael Devers certainly wasn’t, and he put Duran in exclusive company while praising the fourth-year pro.
“With all the talent that he has, I think it doesn’t matter about the All-Star break or anything like that,” Devers told reporters, per MassLive. “This is something that he’s going to do, day in, day out. We know that he’s one of the most impactful players in the big leagues right now and I’m happy for him. I’m happy for him and I’m happy that he’s doing the good things that he’s done.”
The significance of Duran’s emergence can’t be understated. Not only does he provide hope for the Red Sox contending this season, but he now will be viewed as an essential building block as the club tries to build something sustainable for the future.
