Call to the pen
Fansided

Cardinals, Red Sox, Yankees: 1 player that should excite each fanbase

By Scott Roche

Apr 1, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) follows through on a single against the San Francisco Giants during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. The hit was hit first major league hit. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) follows through on a single against the San Francisco Giants during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. The hit was hit first major league hit. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 6: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox looks on against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 6, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Red Sox defeated the Phillies 7-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 6: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox looks on against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 6, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Red Sox defeated the Phillies 7-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Boston Red Sox: Jarren Duran

Coming out of spring training, Duran was not in manager Alex Cora’s plans for the early part of 2023, but an injury to Adam Duvall a week into the seaosn changed those plans. Last season was a struggle, to say the least, for Duran, but he seems to have figured some things out this season and is playing more like the outfielder Boston was hoping he could be.

Last season, it was an all-around struggle for the 26-year-old. He had trouble tracking the ball in the outfield, no bigger mistake than allowing an inside-the-park grand slam to the Toronto Blue Jays. At the plate, he looked confused, was guessing on pitches, and lacked any kind of confidence. This year has been different.

At the plate, he’s cut down his swing, making contact more, and using the whole field which has resulted in him slashing .372/.420/.603 with two home runs, 14 RBI, and 12 doubles. His speed on the bases had been a problem for opposing teams as he is 6-for-6 in stolen bases. Defensively, he’s tracking balls a lot better and he is making the claim to hold down the starting spot in center field even when and if Duvall comes back.

If anyone said that Duran would figure it out this season, not many people would have believed it. I’m not saying that he’s going to be like him … but you can see some Jacoby Ellsbury in Duran this season when he’s playing the game he’s capable of. If he can continue his upward improvement, that’s a good sign for the Red Sox moving forward.

Home/Boston Red Sox