The Boston Red Sox came into this season with low expectations. Most chose them to finish last in a loaded AL East, even if their win total should be around .500. One thing the Red Sox did focus on this offseason was athleticism and defense, and their new young wave is blazing on the basepaths. That’s where Jarren Duran comes in with a feat never seen before in franchise history.
Jarren Duran Swipes Three Bases Against Oakland A’s
Duran had a rough start with the Red Sox. In fact, when he came to the big leagues, it was in a clubhouse that wasn’t kind to rookies. It put him in an awkward spot where he didn’t feel like himself. Between 2021 and 2022, he only stole 9 bases when that was a large part of Jarren Duran’s game in the minor leagues. After slashing .219/.269/.354 across 91 games, it looked like the outfielder was going to be a lost cause, especially with the number of outfielders the Boston Red Sox had in the fold.
Last season, the 7th-round pick came into his own with a bit of confidence. He stole 24 bags in 104 games and played to his strengths while not trying to be something he isn’t. He slashed .295/.346/.482 and had 34 doubles with an OPS+ of 121. Duran was part of plenty of trade rumors this past season, but it looks like the Red Sox might keep him for the long term.
It’s a good thing, too, as it looks like he’s picking up right where he left off. Last night, he swiped three bags against the Athletics during the Red Sox’s 9-0 romp.
Five Stolen Bases in the First Five Games is a Boston Red Sox First
It’s not lost on some baseball fans that Jarren Duran did this on the same base paths that Rickey Henderson spent many years tearing it up and swiping bases like nobody’s business. The three steals last night put Jarren Duran at five on the season through the team’s first five games.
No other Boston Red Sox player has done that.
According to Ian Browne of MLB.com, the list of players who have stolen four bases in five games is an interesting list and not one you’d likely expect.
As @alexspeier was first to note, Jarren Duran is the first Red Sox player to steal as many as five bases in the first five games of a season. The list of guys who had four is, well, awesome.
1994 Otis Nixon, 1915 Tris Speaker, 1978 Jerry Remy, 1909 Harry Lord, 1920 Harry Hooper,…— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) April 2, 2024
His teammates, and specifically the pitcher on the mound, Tanner Houck, recognized his abilities on the basepaths:
“I’ve been privileged to play with him since 2019 in (Double-A) Portland,” starter Tanner Houck said. “You just see the speed. You see the talent there. He’s a menace on the base paths. So I’m glad he’s on our side, for sure.”
The Boston Red Sox youth movement features plenty of speed. Ceddanne Rafaela has swiped three bags this season and has the same capabilities as Jarren Duran. Wilyer Abreu has also displayed the same speed in the minors.
It’s a new and interesting path for the Red Sox, as most fans know the team as big boppers and stars, especially from the David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez days. Time will tell if their focus on versatility, defense, and overall athleticism will pay off. For now, the team will look to continue building on some small bright spots to start the season.
