NEW YORK — The Red Sox’ trio of All-Stars, announced Sunday, features an elite run producer, a tremendous all-around player and a right-handed pitcher who went from a bubble prospect who made the rotation in Spring Training to a star player.
“I think it’s a testament to this organization and the coaching staff and the development that they’re going through at all levels,” Devers said. “It’s a great honor for us to be able to represent this organization.”
For the Red Sox, the fact that they selected three players can be seen in some ways as recognition of their surprising start to the season. Kenley Jansen was Boston’s only All-Star last season.
Devers, who is making his third All-Star appearance, will be joined by Duran and Houck, two rookies, who form the young core the Red Sox are banking on this season.
“Obviously there was a lot of talk during the offseason … that these guys needed to step up a bit to get good,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “Tanner is the No. 1 guy in the rotation and Jarren sets the pace from pitch one, I’m very proud of them.
“It’s also a testament to the organization. Sometimes we get caught up in trying to be someone else or emulate other organizations. That’s a reminder that the Red Sox have been doing it the right way for a while now.” Jarren, a [seventh] rounder in 2018. And I think Tanner was drafted in [the first round in] ’17. And of course we’ve done some fantastic work internationally, and Raffy is kind of the poster boy for that.”
All three Boston All-Stars were selected by their peers during the player election.
Duran, who started all 89 games for the Red Sox this season, has taken his game to the next level.
The left-handed leadoff man 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 MLB with 10 triples. That, along with 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 have 100 hits, 10 triples, 10 homers and 20 stolen bases before the All-Star break.
That Duran became an All-Star after struggling on the court in his first two seasons and after the mental health issues he’d openly discussed over the years gave the accomplishment greater meaning.
“It means a lot,” Duran said. “Coming from where I came from and dealing with what I had to deal with, it feels good. It’s hard to put into words. It’s a proud moment. Proud of [myself]proud of the team, proud of my teammates.”
Then there’s Devers, who’s been putting up big numbers every season. At 27, Devers is in his eighth season of raking for the Red Sox.
Devers has a slash line of .287/.373/.570 with 19 homers and 53 RBIs. This is the third time Devers has been an All-Star in the last four seasons.
“My first All-Star Game, I was one of the youngest players on the All-Star team. Now I feel like one of the veterans here,” Devers said. “It means a lot. It’s really fun to be able to share the All-Star Game with those two guys and it’s really special.”
As for Houck, he began this season as Boston’s No. 5 starter but has quickly risen to the team’s undisputed No. 1 starter. The 28-year-old righty’s rise has been fueled by vastly improved control and a splitter that he’s changed grips to make him a top weapon.
Houck has allowed two runs or fewer in 13 of his 18 starts. In 111 innings, he has just 23 walks and 106 strikeouts. While holding opponents to a .220 batting average, Houck has a 1.05 WHIP and 2.68 ERA.
“A lot of hard days,” Houck said. “A lot of hours of great conversations with people. It all comes down to having an incredible coaching staff and teammates that have your back every day and want you to be better and push you to be better. I’m still in shock about the whole moment and just trying to take it all in.”