Red Sox Face Tough Decision With Former Top Prospect

After an offseason of turnover, the Boston Red Sox have a lot of new faces at Spring Training this year. That means several positions are up for grabs as manager Alex Cora tries to figure out the best lineup for the 2023 Red Sox.

One familiar face who's still fighting for a job is outfielder Jarren Duran, who is looking to fill the team's fourth outfielder role.

Red Sox Spring Training News

Duran was regarded as one of the best prospects in Boston's farm system when he was called up in July of 2021. The speedy outfielder has struggled in the majors, however, batting .219/.269/.354 with 103 strikeouts in 91 games at the plate and making embarrassing mistakes in the field.

Now 26, the clock is ticking on Duran's career. He's running out of time to prove he belongs in the big leagues, especially after being demoted in 2022, when much of the fan base turned against him.

This year is a clean slate for Duran, however, who's making the most of it with a hot Spring Training so far. He's gone 3-for-4 at the dish while showing much better plate discipline, drawing 4 walks without striking out.

His impressive spring has put the Red Sox in a tough spot, as they'll have to figure out if he's worth keeping on the Opening Day roster or sending down to Triple-A, where he can earn more regular playing time. Their decision will likely depend on how the rest of Spring Training shakes out and if Duran proves his strong start is for real.

If it is, he may finally be developing into the player that Boston always hoped he would be.