NEW YORK — The Red Sox all-star trio announced Sunday includes an elite scorer, an exciting all-around player and a right-handed pitcher who went from bubble candidate in spring training to rotation and staff ace.
“I think it’s a testament to this organization and the coaching staff and the development they do at every level,” Devers said. “It’s just a great feeling for us to be able to represent this organization.”
For the Red Sox, the three selections can be seen in some way as recognition for their incredible start to the season. Kenley Jansen was Boston’s lone All-Star last season.
Devers, a three-time All-Star, will be accompanied by two first-time selections in Duran and Hack, who are part of the Red Sox’s core young roster this season.
“Obviously, there was a lot of discussion during the offseason that these guys needed to step up for us to perform well,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “Tanner is the No. 1 in our starting rotation and Jalen has been setting the tempo from the first pitch, so 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 trying to emulate other organizations. It’s a reminder that the Red Sox have been doing it right for a while now.” [seventh] I think I was drafted No. 1 in 2018. And then Tanner was drafted in 2019. [the first round in] ’17. And obviously, internationally, we’ve done a great job, and Raffy is kind of the poster child for that.”
All three of Boston’s All-Stars were selected by their peers in a player vote.
Duran, who started all 89 games the Red Sox played this season, has taken his game to a new level.
The left-handed leadoff hitter entered Sunday night’s game at Yankee Stadium leading all American League outfielders in hits (103), doubles (24) and stolen bases (21). The 27-year-old leads the MLB with a Baseball-Reference WAR of 4.7 (fifth in MLB) and leads the league with 10 triples. In addition to that, he’s boasting a solid batting line-up that’s slashing .278/.339/.478 with 59 runs scored, 10 home runs 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.
For Duran, making the All-Star team despite struggling on the field his first two seasons and dealing with long-standing mental health issues makes the accomplishment even more meaningful.
“It means a lot,” Duran said. “It feels good to come back from where I come from and deal with what I’ve had to deal with. It’s hard to put into words. It’s a proud moment. [myself]I’m proud of my team and I’m proud of my teammates.”
And Devers has performed well every season. The 27-year-old 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 in the past four seasons that Devers has been selected to the All-Star team.
“My first All-Star Game, I was one of the youngest guys on the All-Star team. Now I feel like I’m one of the veterans,” Devers said. “It means a lot. It’s so cool to be in the All-Star Game with those two, it’s so special.”
Hauck debuted this season as Boston’s fifth starter but quickly rose to become the team’s unquestioned No. 1 starter. The 28-year-old right-hander’s development has been fueled by vastly improved control and a splitball that he changed grip on and turned into his best weapon.
Hawk has allowed two runs or fewer in 13 of his 18 starts. He has only walked 23 batters in 111 innings and struck out 106. Hawk has a WHIP of 1.05 and an ERA of 2.68 while holding opponents to a .220 batting average.
“I worked hard for many days,” Huck said, “I had many hours of great conversations with people. It all comes down to having a great coaching staff and teammates that are there for me every day, wanting me to be better and pushing me to be better. I’m still in shock from that moment and just trying to take it all in.”
