This offseason, the Boston Red Sox contemplated a number of moves to bolster their squad in several areas.
One of the more unexpected prospects that Boston gave some thought to moving was Jarren Duran. Duran, who batted first for the Red Sox in 2023, had a fantastic season.
Throughout 102 games, he stole 24 bases while batting.295/.346/.482. While some Red Sox supporters questioned the team’s decision to dish one of their most reliable offensive players, others attested to his poor outfield defense and inconsistent plate output. He’s proving those skeptics wrong in 2024.
In practically every positive metric on both sides of the ball, the outfielder is outperforming his 2023 numbers.
Though his strikeout rate is a little higher than it was a year ago, he often advances quickly once on base. Duran has played in 36 games this season, collecting an MLB-high six triples in addition to eight doubles and a home run.
The speed-dealer is making cuts.He and Tyler O’Neill lead his team in runs scored with 22 apiece, batting 267/.339/.420. Nevertheless, Duran’s recent performances haven’t been all about his bat. Duran’s defense has significantly improved since 2023.
Trading Jarren Duran would’ve been a big mistake for the Red Sox
Baseball Savant indicates that with four outs above average thus far, the outfielder is in the 96th percentile.
The second-most defensive runs saved of any MLB outfielder, he has amassed an astounding eight. Duran played center field for five of his eight defensive runs saved, and the Red Sox probably felt more comfortable moving Ceddanne Rafaela to shortstop as a result of Duran’s success there.
Alex Cora, the manager of Boston, declared on April 25 that Rafaela would move to the infield and take over as the team’s regular shortstop. The Sox’s infield defense has much improved as a result of the shift; although they continue to commit errors, the frequency of those violations has decreased.
This is a welcome development for a team that has committed 27 errors in 36 games. Without Duran’s quickness and capacity to reach base quickly, the Red Sox’s defense would have probably remained in disarray and they would have scored a lot less runs had they not traded for him before the 2024 season.
To win games, the Red Sox need Duran’s energy at the plate, in the field, and in the dugout dance circle.
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