'It's obviously a great accomplishment'
Jarren Duran’s convincing bid for All-Star consideration was rewarded when the 27-year-old was named one of three Boston Red Sox representatives selected for the 2024 Midsummer Classic.
Duran, alongside teammates Rafael Devers and Tanner Houck, earned a spot on the American League roster, leaving Boston’s speedy outfielder at a loss for words.
“I don’t really know how to put it into words right now,” Duran told reporters before Sunday night’s series finale against the New York Yankees, per NESN. “It’s obviously a great accomplishment. I have great coaches, great teammates like (Devers and Houck), and so many people supporting me so I’m just very thankful right now.”
Duran’s emergence, which can be traced back to last season after he didn’t make Boston’s Opening Day roster, has helped keep the Red Sox in contention. Everything Duran provided the team with last season — speed, defensive stability, reliance from the lead-off spot — remained in place once the 2024 campaign began, only this time, he stepped up even more.
He’s batting .278 with 10 home runs, 40 RBIs and 21 stolen bases through 88 games, leading Boston in doubles (24) and triples (10) while ranking sixth in MLB in hits (103) and seventh in total bases (177).
Duran finished fifth among AL outfielders in player voting — behind Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Steven Kwan, and Kyle Tucker.
Boston still has seven scheduled games left before Duran, Devers and Houck head out to Globe Life Field in Texas for the All-Star festivities. The Red Sox only trail the second-place Yankees by 5 1/2 games in the AL East standings.