5 reasons Red Sox fans can still smile as 2023 season closes
The season didn't go like we hoped, but there were still positives to enjoy
Reason Red Sox fans can smile No. 2) Jarren Duran's breakout season
After a disappointing 2022 season for Jarren Duran that resulted in much of Red Sox Nation questioning his place in the long-term vision of this team, Duran burst onto the seen in 2023 in a big way and was one of the most electric players on the field each time he was in the lineup. Unfortunately, Jarren Duran's season was cut short due to a toe injury that he suffered back in August.
With the injury, Duran's final line for the 2023 season is an impressive .295/.346/.482 with an .828 OPS. He drove in 40 runs and hit 34 doubles which trails only Verdugo for most on the team, while also stealing a team-leading 24 bases. Duran also played an exceptional centerfield and showed major improvements from year's past.
Duran joined elite company back on July 2 when he became only the eighth Red Sox player in history to record four doubles in one game when he went 5-5 with four doubles and a single in a win over Toronto. Duran stole the hearts - quite literally - of Red Sox fans this year and essentially cemented himself as a long-term piece to the Red Sox moving forward.
Reason Red Sox fans can smile No. 3) Kenley Jansen's 400th save
The 7th player in MLB history to record 400 saves: Kenley Jansen. https://t.co/n1YZrjhSiI
— Red Sox (@RedSox) May 11, 2023
On May 10 Kenley Jansen recorded his 400th career save, something that only six other closers have ever achieved in league history. The future hall-of-famer was Boston's lone All-Star this year and put up respectable numbers all season long. Jansen hasn't pitched since September 12 against the Yankees, but as of September 24 holds a 3.63 ERA with 29 saves in 33 opportunities and 52 strikeouts over 44.2 innings pitched. Securing a lockdown closer was a main focus for the Red Sox in recent offseasons, and they found just that with Jansen.
Reason Red Sox fans can smile No. 4) Masataka Yoshida is here, and he's here to stay
Now former Chief Baseball Officer, Chaim Bloom, shocked the baseball world when he signed Japanese phenom, Masataka Yoshida to a five-year, $90 million deal last December, a move that many considered an overpay and a risky move by Bloom.
Yoshida instantly proved that he belongs in Major League Baseball and solidified himself as the signing of the offseason. The Red Sox outfielder has been in the Rookie of the Year conversation all year long and has turned some heads with both his bat and his glove. Yoshida will finish 2023 with some of the most impressive hitting stats not only on the Red Sox, but the entire league. Yoshida's .288 batting average currently ranks fifth in the American League and as of September 24 Yoshida has a slash line of .288/.339/.446 with a .785 OPS to go with 15 home runs and 71 RBI. Yoshida will be fun to watch for many years to come as he continues to find his footing in Boston.
Reason Red Sox fans can smile No. 5) Triston Casas is legit
The future is bright at first base for the Red Sox as Triston Casas has finally found his stride after a very slow start to his career, and is now one of the top hitters in the league and should even receive some American League Rookie of the Year votes. After being shut down for the rest of the season due to shoulder inflammation, Casas currently ranks sixth in the American League in OPS. In 502 plate appearances this season, Casas hit .263/.367/.490 with a .856 OPS, 21 doubles, two triples, 24 home runs, and drove in 65 runs. Look for Casas to shine in the Red Sox cleanup spot for the foreseeable future.
Keep your heads up, Red Sox fans
While it's disappointing to watch the last week of the regular season knowing the Red Sox will not be in the postseason, there is a lot of optimism to be felt surrounding this team and reasons to say, "I can't wait for the future."
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