As the Red Sox gear up for the 2026 season, outfielder Jarren Duran shared that he hasn’t yet had discussions with the coaching staff about where he’ll slot into the batting order. It’s still early in camp, and with full-squad workouts just around the corner, Boston appears content to let things play out before locking in any decisions.
Duran, entering his fourth full season in the majors, is coming off a 2025 campaign that showcased both his durability and dynamic skill set. He played in 157 games, slashing .256/.333/.441 with 159 hits, 41 doubles, 13 triples, 16 home runs, and 84 RBI. His 86 runs scored and 24 stolen bases added even more value to a Red Sox lineup that leaned on his speed and energy.
One number that jumps off the page: 13 triples. That wasn’t just a team-high - it was more than the rest of the Red Sox roster combined.
Duran didn’t just flash speed; he turned it into tangible production, consistently putting pressure on defenses and flipping the momentum of innings with his legs. Whether stretching singles into doubles or taking the extra base, he was a constant threat.
While his power and batting average dipped a bit from previous seasons, Duran still found ways to impact games. His .774 OPS reflects a well-rounded offensive profile - not elite in any one area, but solid across the board. And with 60 walks, he continued to show improved plate discipline, a key area of growth for a player whose early career was marked by swing-and-miss concerns.
The departures of Alex Bregman and Rob Refsnyder open up some new dynamics in the clubhouse and the lineup. Duran and Trevor Story are expected to take on more of the everyday grind together, both on the field and as part of the team’s leadership core. With Boston still sorting through its options, especially in the wake of those veteran exits, Duran’s positional flexibility in the order gives the coaching staff some breathing room.
He’s shown he can hit leadoff, but he’s also held his own further down the lineup. That kind of versatility is a luxury - especially in a long season where matchups, injuries, and slumps inevitably force adjustments.
As exhibition games get underway and live reps start to shape the roster, don’t be surprised if Duran’s role evolves. But one thing is clear: the Red Sox know what they have in him - a high-motor, high-impact player who can change a game in more ways than one.
For now, the lineup card can wait. Duran’s game speaks loudly enough.