Jarren Duran off to a red hot start at the plate
Following a breakout 2023 campaign, Jarren Duran has picked up where he left off. Through eight games, the former seventh-round pick has provided a spark from the leadoff spot for the Red Sox.
In 33 at-bats, Duran has posted a .394 batting average while driving in four runs. He also has 16 total bases, which is the second most on the team, trailing only Tyler O’Neill, who has 21. As the Red Sox lineup has been hard to stop, Duran has been one of their best bats, making an impact in various ways.
While Duran has been a hits machine, he is also making a difference with his legs. So far this season, he has six stolen bases, four of which came against the A’s. His speed has put more pressure on opponents who have to worry about keeping Duran close if he reaches base. Last year, Duran stole 24 bases, a number he should easily match this season.
During the Red Sox's 6-2 start, the California native has also shown an ability to come through in the clutch. That was on display Friday night as Duran gave the Red Sox a 7-6 lead against the Angels in the eighth with his first home run. It was a moment he will never forget as friends and family were watching from the right field line.
"To be honest, I put so much pressure on myself because there's been people that have never seen me get a hit in person," Duran told MLB.Com's Ian Browne. "It was kind of a relief for myself in a way, just putting so much pressure on myself."
Although it is a small sample size, Duran is showing so far that his success last year was no fluke. He has already added four multi-hit games to his resume and used the opposite field more. With Duran locked in at the plate, the Red Sox have a dynamic hitter who can do a lot of damage.