Red Sox Rumors: Spicy trade target, awaited debut, Duran's breakout

Red Sox Rumors: Spicy trade target, long-awaited debut, Duran guided by legend

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 25: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after hitting a double during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 25, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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Boston Red Sox, Jarren Duran, Lucas Giolito, James Paxton

Boston Red Sox, Jarren Duran. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Red Sox Rumors: Jarren Duran’s breakout 2023 spawned by Dustin Pedroia

Of the big-time performances that the Red Sox have seen this season, you’d be hard-pressed to find one more surprising than that of Jarren Duran.

Duran, to put it bluntly, was a bit of headache in the 2022 season after getting called up for the second time in his year, particularly with his underperforming. He had a number of head-scratching defensive mishaps while slashing a measly .221/.283/.363 over 58 games. If he got time in the majors in 2023, few fans were hopeful that it would yield big results.

But it has.

In 21 games with the Red Sox this season, Jarren Duran is putting up monster numbers, slashing .360/.405/.587 with 13 extra-base hits, 13 RBI and five stolen bases to his credit. Moreover, he’s been a solid, rangy defender in the outfield as well.

So what brought about the start of a breakout season for Duran? Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) revealed that Red Sox legend Dustin Pedroia was instrumental in laying the groundwork. Pedey worked with Duran in spring training, not only instilling more confidence in the 26-year-old outfielder, but also coaching him to get his hands up higher at the plate.

Clearly, Pedroia knows a thing or two about hitting for the Red Sox. And he’s also doing a phenomenal job of imparting his knowledge to current players, with Jarren Duran’s start to the 2023 season being a shining example.

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