Last year was one of the wilder seasons in recent memory for the Boston Red Sox. From the team’s slow start and shocking Rafael Devers trade to its stunning second-half turnaround and eventual playoff loss to the New York Yankees, there was no shortage of drama.
It was a good learning experience for the Red Sox’s young stars, many of whom got their first taste of a postseason race and October baseball as the team made the playoffs for the first time in four years.
The season was a marathon for Boston, which enters 2026 looking to build on last year’s success and go deeper into the postseason this fall after winning just one playoff game last year.
During an interview with NESN at spring training on Monday, All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran revealed the biggest lesson that the Red Sox learned from last year’s disappointing postseason exit.
Duran on turning 30 this year: “I don’t feel 30, I don’t act 30… this sucks.” 🤣
Catch the full convo with Duran at 6 ET on Red Sox From Fort Myers 🌴
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“I think the biggest thing is now we know what it takes to get there,” Duran said. “I think that’s a big thing for a lot of teams. I feel like getting there is the hardest part, and then once you get there and you get a taste of it, you’re like alright, now I know how to get there.”
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Duran was a rookie during Boston’s previous playoff run in 2021 but didn’t play in the postseason that year, so last season was his first taste of October baseball. Unfortunately, he struggled against the Yankees, going 1-for-11 with four strikeouts and making a key defensive mistake.
Playoff baseball is different than the regular season. Now that Duran and his teammates have some experience under the bright lights, hopefully they’ll do better next time.
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That said, Duran appreciates how difficult it is to reach the postseason in the first place.
“It really takes 162 when you really break it down,” Duran said, noting how teams get hold and cold throughout the season.
The Red Sox saw that last year. They weren’t a playoff team during the first half, but they hit their stride in early July and played much better during the second half, especially on the mound.
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Regardless of what happens, Duran is looking forward to a new season.
“It’s gonna be fun. I’m excited.”
