Young Red Sox Outfielder Has Impressed So Far In Spring Training; Could Trade Be Coming?
The Boston Red Sox have looked good so far in spring training.
Although they aren't big league contests quite yet, the Red Sox have looked solid in a small sample size. Red Sox Nation has gotten its first look at Masataka Yoshida, Justin Turner, and Adam Duvall in Boston jerseys and even has seen the impressive play from some youngsters who could be with the club shortly.
One player who has made the most of his opportunity so far certainly is outfielder Jarren Duran. The speedster entered camp with an uncertain role with the team and that still is the case. Boston's likely starting outfield with be Yoshida, Duvall, and Alex Verdugo which would leave Duran on the bench if he's able to remain with the club.
The 26-year-old has spent parts of each of the last two seasons in Boston and has been unable to get his footing. Offensively he took a step forward in 2022 but still was well below his minor-league output. Also, he struggled defensively at points over the last two seasons but he seems to have taken a step forward this spring.
Duran was in trade rumors throughout the offseason, but the Red Sox came to terms on any deals. The young outfielder has made changes that already have been noticed. He changed his batting stance and already is looking more comfortable in the outfield.
The 26-year-old made his 2023 Grapefruit League debut Monday and shined finishing the day 2-for-2 with a double and home run. Duran also was impressive in center field and on a day where the sun and wind greatly impacted the flight of the ball he had no trouble.
Rumors swirled during the offseason that Boston may be willing to move Duran and if he's able to have a solid spring, that may be even more likely. Boston currently has Duvall, Yoshida, and Alex Verdugo along with MLB veteran Raimel Tapia on a minor league contract so he easily could fill in a bench role behind Boston's starters.
The Red Sox shouldn't deal Duran just because, but only if a perfect deal ends up in Boston's lap. Duran provides speed and athleticism that the team certainly could use. He's a threat any time he gets on base and especially with the new rules in place could rack up stolen bases.
If a solid deal comes around for a starting pitcher, then it may make for the Red Sox, but Duran has to continue this level of play to get his trade value up as well. It's still very early in spring training, but everything has been encouraging from the young outfielder so far.
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