5 reasons Red Sox fans can still smile as 2023 season closes

The final leg of the regular season is upon us, and while the Boston Red Sox ultimately missed the playoffs, the 2023 season still gave plenty of reasons for Red Sox fans to look back on this season and smile.

Boston Red Sox fans aren't accustomed to having a "just be relevant" mentality when it comes to the expectations for this team. Having won titles in '04, '07, '13, and '18, the Red Sox, as well as their fans, carry lofty expectations for this team that far surpass just finishing above .500 or merely squeaking their way into a Wild Card spot. Nonetheless, despite the fact that Red Sox fans will not be tuning in to watch their favorite team in October, there are still plenty of memorable moments and positive takeaways from the 2023 season.

Reason Red Sox fans can smile No. 1) Alex Verdugo "Please be F-ing fair"

One of the most memorable moments from the 2023 season came at the hands - and the mouth - of Alex Verdugo after he hit an extra inning walk-off home run just inside Pesky's Pole on April 18 against the Minnesota Twins. The excitement and adrenaline spilled over during Verdugo's postgame interview. When asked by NESN's Jahmai Webster on what went through his mind as the ball was headed down the line, on live TV, Verdugo grinned and responded with, "please be f-ing fair," and instantly realized his slip up. Webster played it off, and all of Red Sox Nation who were tuned into their TVs smirked right along with Verdugo.

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

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.