If there’s one statistic that captures the ongoing frustration of the Red Sox’s 2025 season, it’s this: a .273 winning percentage in one-run games.
Not only is that figure dismal, but it also stands out across the league. No team in the American League has played more one-run games than Boston, with 22. And the Red Sox haven’t just struggled—they’ve lost 16 of those games, the most in the AL, while winning only six, the second-fewest.
There’s a common belief in baseball that outcomes of one-run games often come down to chance—an odd bounce, a questionable call, or a lucky hit can tip the scales. Over time, teams are expected to hover around a .500 record in such tight contests.
But Boston has been far worse than that.
Still, outfielder Jarren Duran remains optimistic. After a tough 7–6 loss to the Angels on Monday, Duran said these close contests show the team is right on the cusp of turning things around.
“To me, it shows we’re a really solid team,” Duran told reporters. “We’ve been in every game—we just need to push through and find a way to win those close ones.”
Despite having a +12 run differential—fifth-best in the AL—the Red Sox have the league’s fifth-worst record at 29–33.
Duran himself rebounded Monday night after a rough series in Atlanta, where he went hitless in 14 at-bats. He bounced back with a 3-for-5 night, including two doubles.
“I’m fine—it’s baseball,” he said. “Atlanta got the better of me, and I didn’t feel like myself out there. I had a good game tonight, but a loss is a loss. I’m just focused on moving forward.”
He believes the team can do the same. Part of the Red Sox’s struggles in close games, he noted, stems from the youth on the roster—players still adjusting to the major leagues and learning how to perform under pressure.
“We’ve got a lot of young guys who are just starting to learn how to compete at this level,” Duran said. “I remember being terrified to make a mistake when I first came up. Now, I try to tell the younger guys, ‘You’re important to this team. Keep pushing, and don’t be afraid to play your game. I’m here if you need anything. Just play without fear.’”