Red Sox fans have seen firsthand over the last season-and-a-half the kind of determined player Jarren Duran is.
The small, speedy outfielder hasn't had an easy road to finding an everyday role in the majors. He ground his way through multiple demotions and backlash from the always-emotional Boston faithful, finally carving out a starting role in center field that he took a hold of during the 2023 season.
This year, Duran hasn't just settled into an everyday job monitoring center field at Fenway Park — he's thrived. The Red Sox outfielder is currently at least in the conversation for AL MVP due to the fact that he's taken another step forward this season. A win may not be likely due to performances from Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, but Duran has put himself on the map as a star.
He's come through in clutch moments for Boston all campaign long, but he finally got a chance to do it on the national stage Tuesday night at the MLB All-Star game. After earning his first All-Star nod, Duran smashed a two-run homer in the fifth inning off Reds ace Hunter Greene to break a 3-3 tie against the NL.
COULDN'T SCRIPT IT BETTER. pic.twitter.com/6u5OmRddI8
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 17, 2024
The go-ahead dinger ended up being the game-winning shot, as the AL held on for a 5-3 win at the Midsummer Classic.
Duran finished the first half of the season batting .284 with 41 RBIs, 10 home runs and 22 stolen bases. His WAR of 5.0 is tied with Soto and ranks fifth in MLB entering the second half of the season.
He may not be as well-known outside of Boston and diamond diehards, but he's a name that the entire baseball world should learn to know.
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Here is more on Duran's nationality, family and more
Jarren Duran parents
Duran is the son of Octavio and Dena Duran. His father was born in Mexico, while his mother has Puerto Rican heritage from her family.
The two have been incredibly supportive of their son through his time in the big leagues.
"Every time I see him out there, it’s so surreal," Octavio said in a 2023 interview with MassLive. "I think to myself, 'My God, he’s actually playing with players he grew up watching.' It’s amazing."
His parents were key figures in helping Duran get through the mental struggles of adjusting to the MLB. In 2022, Duran hadn't yet solidified a roster spot with the Red Sox, seeing time in the minors with his play dipping at times. He admitted that he was "depressed" at times and didn't talk to his family about his low points, but finally made the effort to open up about his feelings.
"We’re so proud of him for doing that," Dena said. "Last year, he was trying not to get in anyone’s way and he wasn’t being himself basically. And I think he just decided, 'I’ve gotta be me if I’m going to do this.' In the WBC, him wearing the Sombrero all the time, that’s his personality. He just decided to do that."
Jarren Duran nationality
Duran was born and raised in the United States, however, he has Mexican heritage on his father's side, and a Puerto Rican background from his mother.
The Red Sox sensation elected to represent Mexico at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He said he was "excited" to honor the home country of his father at the international competition.
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"It’s going to be an honor to play for my dad’s native country," Duran said to the Boston Globe before the tournament. "I’m really excited to represent Mexico and do everything I can to help them win."
Jarren Duran college
Not only did Duran grow up in California, but he also played in college ball in the Golden State. The outfielder played for three seasons at Long Beach State University from 2016 to 2018.
His best season with the Dirtbags came in 2017, when he slashed .308/.375/.393 with 27 RBIs and 19 stolen bases.
Jarren Duran draft
Duran was far from a high-end draft pick when he was taken by the Red Sox in 2018. The outfielder was selected in the seventh round, 220th overall.
