"Similar to Jarren Duran playing 160 games" - Red Sox coach hails Rafael Devers for embodying Boston's fighting spirit by persevering through injury
Boston Red Sox hitting coach Pete Fatse showered rich words of praise onto Rafael Devers and Jarren Duran for the attitude and professionalism shown by the pair this season. Fatse lauded the Red Sox All-Stars for setting the standard for the entire roster with their perseverance and highlighted their desire to play every game they can, even when they are going through a difficult spell.
Rafael Devers and Jarren Duran were the two most productive players for the Red Sox this year in terms of bWAR. Devers batted .272/.354/.516 with 28 home runs and 83 RBIs in 138 games, besides collecting his third All-Star appearance. Duran played 160 games and had a .285/.342/.492 slash line with 21 home runs and 75 RBIs, besides being named to the All-Star team for the first time.
Pete Fatse aired his thoughts when he appeared as a guest for the Baseball Isn't Boring podcast on Monday. (11:56)
"It goes without saying that guy is an absolute beast," Fatse said, referring to Devers. "He's a grinder. He posts. He's tough as nails."
"He sets the tone and he sets the standard for how we do things around here," Fatse added. "Obviously, we don't want guys to be hurt. But 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 emodies that."
Devers made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in 2017. Last year, he signed a 10-year, $313.5 million extension to make him one of the highest-earning players in the league.
Notable milestones for Rafael Devers in 2024
2024 marked the first year of the decade-long contract extension that Rafael Devers had signed with the Boston Red Sox. He won his third All-Star selection but failed to take part in the game due to a shoulder injury. Despite the injury, Devers continued to play for the Red Sox until their postseason hopes were finally dashed at the back end of September.
Nevertheless, Devers was able to notch a couple of important milestones in his career. During a sparkling run in May, prior to his injury, the 28-year-old became the first Red Sox player to hit a home run in six consecutive games. A couple of months later, on July 6, he collected his 1000th hit in the major leagues.