Duran’s father reacts emotionally as his son wins All-Star Game MVP award Originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
To say that Jarren Duran winning the 2024 MLB All-Star Game MVP award was a surprise would be an understatement.
The Boston Red Sox outfielder and first-time All-Star entered Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic. With +20000 odds of winning the MVPtied for the highest odds among all position players.
Duran then hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the fifth inning to give the American League a 5-3 lead. And when that score stood as the final score, Duran made history by becoming the only The fifth Red Sox player to win the All-Star Game MVP award..
What made the moment even more special for Duran was that his parents, Octavio and Dena, were at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday to witness their son’s achievement. They both came down to the field after the game to hug Duran through tears.
According to Octavio Duran, Jarren’s MVP award fulfilled a promise he made to his father when he was a child.
“I almost lost it,” Octavio said of going to the field after the game to greet his son. by Rob Bradford of Audacy“Ever since he was little, he would go to tournaments and camps and kids would win trophies and he would always say, ‘Dad, don’t worry about it. I’ll win the big prize. ‘ And he did, he won the MVP award.”
It’s been a magical season for Duran, who just two years ago hit .221 in the majors while bouncing between the Red Sox and Triple-A Worcester. The 27-year-old currently leads the American League in both doubles (27) and triples (10) while posting a .284/.477/.820 batting average with 10 homers, 41 RBIs and 22 steals. He ranks sixth among American League position players in fWAR (3.7) and has arguably been the American League’s Most Valuable Player. A Boston team that surpasses all its competitors That’s 11 games over .500 at the All-Star break.
There was another magical moment for the Red Sox outfielder on Tuesday night, who admitted Tuesday night that he’s still processing it all.
“I’m so grateful,” Duran said. “It’s hard to put into words. I won’t understand it until I try to sleep tonight. Who knows if I’ll be able to sleep tonight?”