A talented outfielder, he was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the seventh round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft. Prior to making his mark in the majors, he was recognized as a top 100 prospect in the Minor Leagues and earned a spot in the 2019 All-Star Futures Game, showcasing his potential on a national stage. His journey to the big leagues culminated when he made his professional Major League debut on July 17, 2021.
Before stepping into the spotlight, he honed his skills at California State University, Long Beach. During his time there, he left a lasting impression by finishing fourth in the program’s history with 49 stolen bases, demonstrating his speed and baseball IQ. He comes from a supportive family, being the son of Octavio and Dena Duran, who have been instrumental in his development as both a player and a person.
The Boston Red Sox saw something special in him during the 2018 draft, and over the years, he has continued to build on that early promise. From his standout college career to his eventual debut in the majors, his journey reflects dedication, perseverance, and a deep love for the game.
In his very first at-bat of his professional career, he managed to secure his initial major-league hit—this happened against none other than Gerrit Cole, who was pitching for the New York Yankees at the time. Just a short while later, on July 19, 2021, he added another milestone to his growing list of achievements by hitting his first-ever home run in the major leagues. This memorable moment came while he was playing as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays and facing off against Ross Stripling.