Here is a fact: you can’t set the table if the person holding the silverware keeps dropping it. But sadly this has been the Boston Red Sox’s problem. And in the thick of it is Jarren Duran. He is not just slumping; he is spiraling. He was supposed to be the spark to the team, someone who gets the job done—but right now he is far from it.
It’s tough for fans to comprehend because Duran is the same guy who led the majors in doubles last season. He made his way to the All-Star, and now he is not showing one percent of his previous self. Through his 81 plate appearances, the Boston Red Sox star is hitting just .230 with a .581 OPS.
And for a team that’s already struggling, this is just another nail in the coffin. Alex Cora didn’t even go ahead to mince his words when talking about Duran’s gameplay.
“All over the place. Sometimes patient, sometimes too aggressive. He’s getting into swing mode and swinging and missing a lot,” said Alex Cora about Duran. Meaning that Duran has shown no consistency in his performance. And the numbers do paint the same picture because his whiff rate and strikeouts are up. Duran’s chase rate is also increasing, and he isn’t the same person to terrorize pitchers now. Just three stolen bases so far!
However, that being said, the 3.8m star’s bat speed is still a good 74.1 mph. But at the end of the day, nothing matters if he is swinging like he is blindfolded. But here is the main problem: it’s not just Duran. The entire Boston Red Sox’ offense has been flat, and everyone from Devers to Casas to Rafaela hasn’t been the same. Boston scored 78 runs in 18 games, but nearly 40% came in just two games against the Cardinals. That means that the Boston Red Sox otherwise have been starkly silent.
For now, Duran has to step up because the expectations are high for him after all that he did in Baltimore and Texas. In Red Sox, people expect the same or even more! But for Duran, this slump is just going to be another battle to come through.
Boston Red Sox’s star pulls back the curtain on the real life of a ballplayer
Being a baseball player comes with its perks, of course, the luxuries, the fans, and the love. However, it’s a double-edged sword, and with the good also comes all the criticisms and loneliness in chaos. For Jarren Duran, it was just like that. In the latest Netflix documentary, Duran opened a chapter of his story— one where he said he didn’t want to be here anymore.
That gave everyone the picture that behind the stats, these athletes are also human. Duran mentioned that far from the people, he was his own harshest critic. But Duran didn’t just share his story just for the sake of it; he had a purpose behind it. He shared so he could help others who might be feeling the same feelings as him. “Talking about this wasn’t easy, but it felt important. A few years ago, I found myself in a dark place, but I’m still here, and I’m so lucky I am. And if my story can help even one person, then it was worth telling.”
And yes, his decision to speak out did have an impact. After that episode aired, the local support organizations in Boston saw a huge spike in messages from people reaching out for help. That’s the power one has by showing their vulnerability. Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora might be disappointed at Duran’s game, but his bravery? Alex Cora is thrilled with it, saying, “He should get a standing ovation right away, not for what he went through but for what he’s doing with it. He should be nominated already for the Roberto Clemente Award. Right now.”
He added, “He’s saving lives, and we’re very proud of him.” And Duran sure is. Right now for Duran, the biggest win has not been on the mound, but he did win off the field. And in the end, it matters the most. What did you think about the bravery Duran showed by sharing his end of the story? Let us know your views on it.
The post “All Over the Place” – Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Gets Brutally Honest About $3.85M Star’s Struggles Amid Team’s Dip in Form appeared first on EssentiallySports.
