The Boston Red Sox have a lot of stars and talented players, but Jarren Duran is the one who makes them go.
A five-tool player, Duran does it all. He hits for power, steals bases and frequently bats leadoff, serving as the catalyst for the Red Sox’s lineup. He also plays all three outfield positions and has emerged as a leader in the clubhouse.
Whatever he’s doing, he’s always hustling. Duran is one of the fastest players on the team and one of the quickest in baseball, leading the American League in triples for the second straight season.
Not surprisingly, Duran was named Boston’s Heart & Hustle Award winner for the second year in a row on Tuesday.
This season marks the 20th year of the award, which is chosen by the MLB Players Alumni Association. It is presented to active players who “exemplify a true passion for the game and who best embody the values, spirit, and tradition of the game.”
Story continues below advertisement
It’s the only award voted on by former players, who choose one player from each team along with a league-wide winner.
Duran was the Red Sox’s winner last year as well, when he made his first All-Star team and turned in an MVP-caliber season. While his production has fallen off a bit this year, he’s still having a terrific campaign with 12 home runs, 18 steals, a .790 OPS and 3.3 WAR.
Story continues below advertisement
The 28-year-old outfielder has been Boston’s engine this year amid a tumultuous season, appearing in a team-high 111 games. Despite injuries to several of his teammates and the shocking trade of Rafael Devers, he’s continued to show up and play hard every day, helping the Red Sox contend for a playoff berth.
An emotional player who wears his heart on his sleeve and always gives it his all, Duran is well deserving of this award.
Featured image via Peter Aiken/Imagn Images
