Homegrown trio to represent Red Sox in 2024 All-Star Game

NEW YORK — The Red Sox trio of All-Stars, as announced Sunday, includes an elite run producer, an electrifying all-around player and a righty who went from bubble candidate to make the rotation in Spring Training to staff ace.

“I think it’s a testament to this organization and the coaching staff and the development that they do throughout all the levels,” said Devers. “It’s very nice for us to be able to represent this organization.”

For the Red Sox, having three players selected can in some ways be considered recognition of their surprising start to the season. Kenley Jansen was Boston’s lone All-Star last season.

Devers — a third-time All-Star — will be accompanied by a couple of first-timers in Duran and Houck, who represent part of the young core the Red Sox are leaning into this season.

“Obviously, during the offseason, there was a lot of talk … that these guys needed to step up for us to be good,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “Tanner being the No. 1 guy in the rotation and Jarren just setting the tempo from pitch one, I’m very proud of them.

“It’s testament to the organization, too. Sometimes we get caught up in trying to be somebody else or trying to emulate other organizations. That’s a reminder that the Red Sox have done it the right way for a while. Jarren, a [seventh] rounder in 2018. And I think Tanner was drafted in [the first round in] ‘17. And obviously, internationally, we’ve done an amazing job, and Raffy is kind of like the poster child for that.”

All three Boston All-Stars were selected by their peers in the player vote.

Duran, who has started all 89 games the Red Sox have played this season, has taken his game to another level.

The left-handed-hitting 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 MLB with 10 triples. This, to go along with a sturdy batting line of .278/.339/.478 and 59 runs, 10 homers and 40 RBIs.

Duran is the first player in Major League history to record 100 hits, 10 triples, 10 homers and 20 stolen bases before the All-Star break.

For Duran to become an All-Star after on-field struggles in his first two seasons and mental health issues he was open about over the years made the accomplishment more meaningful.

“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 for my teammates.”

Then there is Devers, who puts up big numbers every season. At 27 years old, Devers is already 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 I’m one of the veteran guys here,” Devers said. “It means a lot. It’s very nice to be able to share the All-Star Game with those two guys and it’s very special.”

As for Houck, he came out of the gate as Boston’s No. 5 starter this season, but he swiftly ascended into the team’s unquestioned No. 1 starter. The 28-year-old righty’s emergence has been fueled by vastly-improved control and a splitter that he changed the grip on to turn into a top weapon.

Houck has allowed two runs or fewer in 13 of his 18 starts. In 111 innings, he has just 23 walks while racking up 106 strikeouts. While holding opponents to a .220 batting average, Houck has 1.05 WHIP and a 2.68 ERA.

“Lot of days of hard work,” said Houck. “A lot of hours of having great conversations with people. It all boils down to having an incredible coaching staff and teammates that stand by you every day and want you to get better and push you to get better. I’m still in shock about the entire moment and just trying to soak it all in.”