20/20 season only emphasizes Jarren Duran's disappointing campaign

Normally, hitting 20-plus home runs and stealing 20-plus bases in a season is a sign of a solid all-around campaign. That is not the case with Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran.

Duran stole second base in the bottom of the eighth inning in the Red Sox's 1-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday, giving him his second career 20/20 season. His speed on the basepaths was a key factor in the only run of the game as he was able to score from second on infielder Andruw Monasterio's base hit to shallow left field.

That stolen base gives Duran a strange place in MLB history. His .629 OPS through Wednesday is the worst of any player to post a 20/20 season and is 37 points lower than the .666 OPS posted by New York Yankees infielder Anthony Volpe in 2023.

20/20 season cannot save worst year for Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran

Despite his 20/20 season, Duran is wrapping up his worst season since establishing himself in the majors in 2023. His .207/.265/.364 batting line marks a career low in batting average and on-base percentage, while his slugging percentage is his lowest since a 58-game stint with the Red Sox in 2022. Duran's actions in game, run-ins with fans and his ill-advised social media post targeting NBC Sports analyst Michael Holley have not helped.

Duran has been a catalyst atop the Red Sox lineup for most of his career. His 20/20 season shows that he can still be a dynamic presence in the lineup. However, he may need a change of scenery if he is going to return to the form he showed from 2023 through 2025. A second 20/20 season does not erase what has been a miserable season in virtually every other aspect.