NEW YORK — The Red Sox’s All-Star trio announced Sunday includes an elite run producer, an electrifying all-around player and a right-hander who went from a spring training rotation candidate to ace of the staff.
“I think it’s a testament to the quality of this organization, the coaching staff and the development they do at every level,” Devers said. “It’s really nice for us to be able to represent this organization.”
For the Red Sox, having three players selected can be seen as a recognition of their surprising start to the season. Kenley Jansen was Boston’s only All-Star last season.
Devers, making his third All-Star appearance, will be joined by two newcomers, Duran and Houck, who represent part of the young core the Red Sox are relying on this season.
“Obviously, there was a lot of talk in the offseason about how these guys had to step up for us to be good,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “With Tanner being the No. 1 guy in the rotation and Jarren setting the pace from the first pitch, I’m very proud of them.”
“It’s also a testament to the organization. Sometimes we get caught up in trying to be somebody else or trying to emulate other organizations. It’s a reminder that the Red Sox have been doing things the right way for a while. Jarren, a seventh-round pick in 2018. And I think Tanner was a first-round pick in 2017. And obviously internationally, we’ve done an incredible job, and Raffy is kind of the perfect example of that.”
Boston’s three All-Stars were selected by their peers through player voting.
Duran, who started all 89 games for the Red Sox this season, took his game to another level.
The left-handed hitter entered Sunday night’s game at Yankee Stadium leading American League outfielders in hits (103), doubles (24) and stolen bases (21). The 27-year-old has a Baseball Reference WAR of 4.7 (fifth in MLB) and leads the league with 10 triples. That’s in addition to a solid .278/.339/.478 batting line and 59 runs, 10 homers and 40 RBIs.
Duran is the first player in major league history to record 100 hits, 10 triples, 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases before the All-Star break.
The fact that Duran became an All-Star after struggling on the court in his first two seasons and speaking out about mental health issues over the years made the accomplishment even more meaningful.
“It means a lot to me,” Duran said. “Coming from where I come from and facing what I’ve had to face, it’s a great feeling. It’s hard to put into words. It’s a proud moment. Proud of myself, proud of the team, proud of my teammates.”
There’s also Devers, who’s been putting up big numbers every season. At 27, Devers is already in his eighth season with the Red Sox.
Devers is batting .287/.373/.570 with 19 home runs and 53 RBIs. This is the third time Devers has been named an All-Star in the last four seasons.
“My first All-Star Game, I was one of the youngest guys on the team. Now I feel like I’m one of the veterans here,” Devers said. “It means a lot to me. It’s really nice to be able to share the All-Star Game with those two guys and it’s really special.”
As for Houck, he began the season as Boston’s fifth starter, but he quickly became the team’s undisputed No. 1 starter. The 28-year-old right-hander’s emergence has been fueled by vastly improved control and a splitter whose grip he’s changed to make it a premier weapon.
Houck has allowed two runs or fewer in 13 of his 18 starts. In 111 innings, he has allowed just 23 walks and has 106 strikeouts. While limiting his opponents to a .220 batting average, Houck has a 1.05 WHIP and a 2.68 ERA.
“A lot of hard work days,” Houck said. “A lot of hours of having great conversations with people. It all comes down to having an incredible coaching staff and teammates that support you every day and want you to get better and push you to get better. I’m still in shock from this whole moment and just trying to soak it all in.”
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