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.