"Leg lift provided Jarren Duran a little bit of flow" – Red Sox hitting coach reveals how key adjustment transformed star’s MLB journey
On Sunday, Boston Red Sox hitting coach Pete Fatse talked about Jarren Duran's impressive performances in the 2024 season, and how he has grown into the potent hitter he is today. Duran originally made his debut for the Red Sox in 2021 after being drafted by the organization in 2018.
The recently concluded season was the best we've seen of Jarren Duran at the top level so far. With a great turn of pace to complement his hitting ability, Duran led the charts for triples in the AL. The 28-year-old also earned his first All-Star cap, and went on to be named the MVP of the All-Star game as he hit a two-run homer.
On November 10's edition of the 'Baseball Isn't Boring' podcast, Fatse talked about how helping Duran make certain adjustments to his swinging mechanics, most notably the introduction of a leg kick motion, have transformed his major league journey.
"The leg lift for him (Jarren Duran), it's just a way for him to start slow and early.It's when he had a shorter move and you guys see him play. He's a very fast twitch, aggressive athlete. It's like I think the leg lift just provided him a little bit of flow, so to speak, and it just got him to get going early." Fatse said [11:00]
Pete Fatse showers praise on Rafael Devers and Jarren Duran
Having missed out on the playoffs, the 2024 season was one to forget for the Boston Red Sox squad. However, two players who can hold their heads high for their performances in the past season are Rafael Devers and Jarren Duran, ending the season with a .870 and .834 OPS respectively. Owing to their consistency, both have also gone on to be named finalists for a Silver Slugger award.
While speaking to host Julian McWilliams on the same podcast, Boston Red Sox hitting coach Pete Fatse went on to shower the duo with praise for their strong performances.
"It goes without saying that guy (Rafael Devers) is an absolute beast. He's a grinder. He posts. He's tough as nails. Battling and persevering when it matters, that sends a signal. Very similar to Jarren posting and playing 160 games. It sends a message that this is what we are about. And, I think, Rafy embodies that." Fatse said [11:56]
With the past season now in the rear-view mirror, Red Sox fans will be hoping for a postseason appearance in the 2025 campaign. As far as Rafael Devers and Jarren Duran are concerned, fans will hope the duo can stay healthy and carry on from where they left off the preceding year.