Jarren Duran
Like Casas, Jarren Duran had a breakout season last year, leading the league in doubles for a significant portion of the year. If not for an injury, he might have finished as the top doubles hitter in baseball. Duran, once a highly regarded prospect, struggled in his initial seasons in the majors, leading many fans and pundits to write him off.
However, Duran responded remarkably well to the pressure and criticism. In just 102 games last season, he hit .295 with 44 extra-base hits, including 34 doubles, and stole 24 bases while only being caught twice. Duran has continued his impressive performance in 2024, scoring 32 runs, driving in 23, and leading all of baseball with eight triples.
Even more significantly, Duran's defense has improved dramatically. He has proven that he can handle the challenging Fenway outfield, ranking seventh among outfielders in Outs Above Average (OAA) and in the top 5% in defensive run value, according to Baseball Savant. His range also ranks in the top 5%, and he has a slightly above-average arm.
What once seemed improbable just two seasons ago is now a reality: Jarren Duran has established himself as a vital part of the Red Sox core for the long term.
