Red Sox’s Jarren Duran Wins 2024 MLB All-Star Game MVP After Hitting Game-Winning HR

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJuly 17, 2024

Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran won the Ted Williams MLB All-Star Game MVP award after his two-run homer propelled the American League to a 5-3 victory over the National League on Tuesday evening in Arlington, Texas.

MLB @MLBJarren Duran homers to make it 5 unanswered runs for the AL squad! #AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/jRiI8d8EfE

B/R Walk-Off @BRWalkoffJARREN DURAN IS THE 2024 ALL-STAR GAME MVP 💪 pic.twitter.com/EBOn2aw5DW

FOX Sports: MLB @MLBONFOXJarren Duran receives the All-Star Game MVP award 🏆 pic.twitter.com/VcR7XA9aKl

With two out in the bottom of the fifth, Duran turned on an 86 mph splitter from Cincinnati Reds starter Hunter Greene and sent it 413 feet into the right field stands. That homer capped a stretch of five unanswered runs for the AL and closed the scoring.

Duran is the fifth Red Sox player to win the MLB All-Star Game MVP award and first since outfielder J.D. Drew earned the honor in 2008.

The 27-year-old Duran made his first All-Star Game appearance after hitting .284 (.820 OPS) with 10 home runs, 41 RBI, 62 runs and 22 stolen bases. His 27 doubles lead the American League, and his 10 triples lead all of baseball.

Duran has enjoyed an incredible and meteoric rise over the past two years.

After the 2022 season, Duran had a total of 91 games played in the Show over the 2021 and 2022 campaigns. He amassed just five home runs and 27 RBI over 335 plate appearances while striking out 103 times. Duran also hit just .219 (.622 OPS) and ultimately spent most of his time at Triple-A Worcester.

However, Duran turned it around in 2023, hitting .295 (.828 OPS) with eight homers and 40 RBI over 102 games. Duran also became a pest on the basepaths with 24 stolen bags.

Now Duran is an All-Star Game MVP. After the game, a visibly emotional Duran spoke about how much the award meant to him and said that he would give the award to his father.

FOX Sports: MLB @MLBONFOX”That’s probably the first pitch I’ve ever pimped in my life.” 😂

Jarren Duran will never forget his go-ahead homer at the All-Star Game ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/H6z5CGfkBk

Octavio Duran has played an integral part in Duran’s life, baseball success and rise to the Show.

Alex Speier @alexspeierDuran said he’d probably give his All-Star MVP Award to his dad. From a few years ago … a look at the role Octavio Duran played in helping his son to unlock his power https://t.co/kd0vMFkbK5 via @BostonGlobe pic.twitter.com/XSoPVIZJcw

The younger Duran also spoke with the ESPN broadcast crew during a July 7 game at the New York Yankees about a conversation with his father after he learned of making the team.

MLB @MLB”I called my dad and we both broke down crying.” 🥹

Jarren Duran discuses his All-Star Game selection on #SundayNightBaseball. pic.twitter.com/Wv22pjasWF

It’s been a great run for Duran and also the 53-42 Red Sox, whose 20-8 run has them in the third American League wild card spot right now. Up next is a six-game road trip for the Sox starting Friday night at the Los Angeles Dodgers.