5 Red Sox Players Who Are Cementing Themselves As Franchise Cornerstones

1. Jarren Duran

After an up-and-down 2023 season, Jarren Duran was the subject of trade rumors this offseason in a crowded Red Sox outfield mix. Ultimately, the new president of baseball operations Craig Breslow chose to keep Duran, a decision that has paid dividends. 

Duran has caught fire at the plate in the last month, in part due to new swing mechanics. In his last 23 games, Duran is batting .300 with a .976 OPS, and 17 extra-base hits. Compared to 2023, his walk rate has increased, and his strikeout rate has decreased.

Duran has swiped 11 bags, and that same blazing speed has helped him turn doubles into an MLB-leading 8 triples.

Duran has also made massive strides with his defense. He has seen time in center field and left field and has been a plus defender at both positions. Duran is tied for 3rd among all MLB outfielders with 6 outs above average, and he leads the American League with 3 assists in left field.

Duran won’t be a free agent until 2029, so if he can keep up his two-way success, he should be an integral part of the Red Sox offense for years to come.

More Red Sox news and rumors: