Before the 2024 campaign began, reporters, insiders and experts predicted the Boston Red Sox to finish at the bottom of the American League East for the third year in a row.
But Boston's roster of mostly young, relatively inexperienced players and rookies defied expectations. Out of all, though, no Red Sox players burst onto the scene like Jarren Duran and Tanner Houck.
Duran and Houck both cracked The Athletic's list of the top 20 breakout players of the season, compiled by MLB insider Jim Bowden. Duran ranked as the No. 2 breakout player this year, between Tarik Skubal in first place and Paul Skenes at third. Houck just made the cut in the 20th spot.
Duran's progression as a player has been incredible to watch. He went from losing fly balls in the outfield lights to an All-Star. His athleticism translates so well to every area of his game — his transition to an everyday player in center field after Ceddanne Rafaela's move to shortstop was seamless, and his speed on the base paths is nearly unmatched.
Jarren brings 'em home! 👊 pic.twitter.com/lWK34oaNk4
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 22, 2024
Red Sox Jarren Duran and Tanner Houck named in The Athletic's list of the top-20 breakout players of the year
Duran will finish the season with All-Star-caliber numbers after his excellent showing. His 14 triples made MLB history as the third-most ever hit in a single season during the live ball era. He joins Doug Taitt, Joe Cronin and Ted Williams, who've also knocked 14 three-baggers in a year. He also mashed 21 homers and 48 doubles, some of which would've been singles for almost every other player in the league.
Houck's progression as a player was also stunning to watch. His increase in command changed the course of his game and he's become Boston's most reliable starter in a short time, in part due to a change in his routine. Houck's deadly sweeper became his most-used pitch this year and he didn't throw a single four-seamer, which hitters rocked to the tune of a .333 average last season.
The 27-year-old righty reached a benchmark 30th start to put an exclamation point on his breakout campaign. He clocked a career-high in innings pitched and took yet another step toward becoming the true ace the Sox need him to be. He may get another start before the end of the season, so his stats may not be final, but he'll finish the season with a 3.12 ERA, 178 2/3 innings of work, 28 walks and 154 strikeouts.
Duran and Houck's seasons are worthy of their spots on Bowden's list of breakout players. They became fixtures of the Red Sox's lineup and should now be long-term roster pieces. It will be exciting for Sox fans to see their evolution continue in 2025 and beyond.