Why Red Sox Outfielder Jarren Duran Deserves 2024 Gold Glove Award
Jarren Duran put together a superstar season for the Boston Red Sox in 2024.
Sure, his speed on the bases and his dynamic abilities as the leadoff hitter stand out for Boston. With that said, his defense could be his most encouraging development for the Red Sox.
Duran got the majority of the time in center field after Ceddanne Rafaela moved to shortstop to fill in for the injured Trevor Story. The Red Sox outfielder answered the challenge with improved reads, a few home run robberies and an overall stellar season as a defender.
Duran, along with Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu, earned an American League Gold Glove nomination for the 2024 season. Duran faces off against Houston Astros center fielder Jake Meyers and Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho.
Here’s how Duran stacks up statistically against his American League competition.
Jarren Duran (CF)
2024 Defense: 231 putouts, eight outfield assists, five errors, 5.2 UZR, 17 defensive runs saved, five outs above average
Jake Meyers (CF)
2024 Defense: 349 putouts, two outfield assists, one error, 9.1 UZR, six defensive runs saved, 14 outs above average
Daulton Varsho (CF)
2024 Defense: 201 putouts, four outfield assists, one error, 8.5 UZR, 17 defensive runs saved, five outs above average
The Red Sox outfielder faces legitimate competition with more advanced metrics favoring Meyers and Varsho. With that said, Duran built his case on taking runs away from the opposition and improving his arm with those eight outfield assists.
Duran also turned in a few highlight plays to remember, particularly turned in a game-saving catch to preserve a Red Sox win over the Cincinnati Reds in June.
The awards will be announced on ESPN on Nov. 3.