Red Sox Sign Star Slugger to One-Year Deal to Avoid Arbitration

Red Sox fans were understandably up in arms last week after it was revealed that Boston failed to come to terms with star outfielder Jarren Duran. Last Thursday was the deadline for players and teams to agree on their salary figures for next season, and it was reported that the Red Sox and Duran were $500k apart.

There was concern among Red Sox fans that the sides were headed to arbitration. This had the potential of taking an ugly turn and creating a chasm between Duran and the organization.

Fortunately, the crisis was resolved on Friday. Chris Cotillo of MassLive, with other Red Sox insiders, reported that Duran and the team agreed on a one-year, $3.75 million deal for the 2025 season. The deal reportedly includes a team option for the 2026 season.

MLB News: Red Sox and Jarren Duran Avoid Arbitration After Signing One-Year Deal

This seems like a reasonable solution for both sides. The Red Sox were allegedly holding firm at $3.5 million, and Duran was hoping for $4 million. Agreeing on a figure right down the middle makes sense for both parties. This way, arbitration will be avoided and the Red Sox will have their best player from last season for at least another year.

As Cotillo pointed out, the team option for Duran's 2026 season is very complicated. It includes a base salary of $8 million but can go all the way up to $12 million with performance escalators like where he finishes in the MVP race.

The Red Sox will have a chance to decline the team option next offseason. In that scenario, the sides would still be at risk of going to arbitration. If Duran continues his performance from last season, however, it's hard to see Boston wanting to turn that down.

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