The Boston Red Sox have been linked to several trade rumors surrounding Jarren Duran this offseason. There’s certainly a case to be made why he should be dealt, but there’s also a very strong case for Duran being the Red Sox most valuable outfielder, and overall hitter.
Losing Alex Bregman is a big void to fill, but another lineup update by manager Alex Cora gives some clarity as to who will be the top three hitters in Boston’s order. That recent update should put the Jarren Duran rumors to sleep.
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Who Will the First Three Red Sox Hitters be on Opening Day?
We already know that Roman Anthony will hit leadoff for the Red Sox in 2026, which will be a huge step in his development. On Tuesday, manager Alex Cora announced that the Red Sox first three hitters will be:
- Romany Anthony 2. Trevor Story 3. Jarren Duran
And to think the Red Sox were ever going to trade Duran. There was more of a chance (now proven) that Duran would hit third for the Sox every day than be traded. Guilty as charged, many outlets floated Jarren Duran several times as a top trade candidate this offseason, but this update by Cora should debunk all those rumors.
If anything, Masataka Yoshida may be the name the Red Sox try to offload either ahead of or during the season.
GettyJarren Duran had another big year for the Red Sox in 2025.Â
Now, following Duran in the order is the next announcement to be made, but one can assume Willson Contreras might follow Duran and hit cleanup, and Wilyer Abreu/Caleb Durbin/Ceddanne Rafaela make the next three hitters after that.
All-in-all, on paper, a very strong lineup in Boston, and one that will be difficult to navigate as an opposing pitcher.
As for Jarren Duran, he’s accumulated more than 13 wins above replacement and received MVP votes in 2024.
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Jarren Duran is an XBH Machine
You don’t just give away a player that averages nearly 50 extra-base hits a season. Instead, the Red Sox should consider inking Duran to an extension before it’s too late, as either his price tag soars to a $25-30 million AAV player or Boston will be forced to trade him.
Duran’s 2024 stats: .285 average, 48 doubles, 14 triples, 21 home runs, 132 OPS+, 8.7 bWAR
2025 stats: .256 average, 41 doubles, 13 triples, 16 home runs, 114 OPS+, 4.7 bWAR
Now, being the three-hole in the lineup, Duran will get more opportunities to drive in runners if Roman Anthony and Trevor Story are on base frequently.
Cora also mentioned that Duran might sit against left-handed pitchers in favor of Wilyer Abreu, but if Duran comes out of the game swinging a strong stick against southpaws, he’ll have another season recording nearly 700 plate appearances.
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