It’s Time To Either Play Jarren Duran Or Trade Him
What’s the plan for Jarren Duran? I’m not sure if the Red Sox have one. The once heralded prospect who was compared to Grady Sizemore feels lost in the shuffle. With clear holes in the outfield, it’s put up or shut up time for Duran. With the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline rapidly approaching, Boston either needs to give Duran a chance or trade him to a team that will.
I don’t necessarily think the Sox are at fault here. Duran hasn’t done himself any favors. While he’s got plenty of speed, the overall defensive acumen is so bad he’s virtually unplayable at times — bad arm, no feel for reading the ball, and zero alpha in terms of being a leader calling off others to take the fly ball. Duran’s BAD out there and his -28 rdrs/yr number speaks for itself. Imagine if he was actually playing? He’s that bad in 30 total games.
The bat is kinda there but the power he showed at the AAA level is not. Duran can slash the ball and pick up infield singles but he made a calling card of making hard contact in the minors. Two dingers in 134 plate appearances isn’t good enough for a former top 100 prospect who was seen as the improved version of Jacoby Ellsbury in this organization.
The problem is we’re running out of time. Duran, 26, needs to start contributing. We’re past the point of having him learn more in the minors. These are supposed to be prime productive years contributing at the MLB level. If that’s not happening, send his ass packing for someone that can help this team win now.
Theoretically, if Duran had it, wouldn’t he already be on the big league roster? Who’s really blocking him? Kike Hernandez is capable in center but he’s also a utility guy. Right field currently belongs to Jackie Bradley who the Brewers gave up prospects to get rid of. Rob Refsnyder is on the team over Duran simply because he can play defense. Alex Verdugo isn’t going anywhere. If Duran isn’t going to play now then let’s trade the guy for someone that actually will before his stock plummets any further.
The kid needs to play. He’s hitting .305 in AAA. It’s now or never time. What are we waiting for? It’s time for Chaim to make a decision on Jarren Duran and I don’t envy his position. You don’t want to give up on him but at the same time you’re letting an asset rot if you don’t make a move here. Time is ticking.
