Boston Red Sox top-30 prospect rankings after the 2019 season

28 of 31

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 29: A general view of the Fenway Park sign and grandstand during the second inning of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 29, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

4. Jarren Duran (Centerfielder)

Okay, not to brag. But I was all-in on Jarren Duran from the jump.

Duran burst onto the scene after being drafted in the seventh round in 2018. He started as a second baseman and was really good there. However, he switched to the outfield.

At first, I wasn’t sure about it. Duran’s speed can only be described as ultra-elite. Due to that, second base didn’t make all that much sense because he couldn’t showcase it as much.

I truly believe he would’ve been a gold glover there though. He got to so many balls and just had a natural feel for it.

That being said, things have worked out amazingly in the outfield. He’s still getting used to things but looked a lot more comfortable in 2019. And that speed let him to get balls most mortals couldn’t.

Offensively is where Duran shines the most. He hit .357 in 2018 and .303 in 2019. That .303 was due to him getting used to Double-A. The left-handed hitter was at the highest level of his career and it showed.

Still, he managed a .250 average in Double-A and had some spurts that proved he’ll put it all together and dominate there soon enough as well.

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old combined for 24 doubles, eight triples and five home runs. He drove in 38 runs and scored a fantastic 90 more. Oh, and he stole 46 bases.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself. But if the Red Sox end up parting ways with Mookie Betts (let’s hope not), Duran will be a major reason why they’re okay with it. He’s going to be a star.

The power likely will never be there. Maybe he hits slightly over double digits, but don’t expect 20-plus ever. However, he’s going to hit for contact. He rarely strikes out. With his speed all he has to do is put the ball in play, and he’s good at that.

Duran can absolutely be a 50-plus steals guy and that’s always a ton of fun.

There’s also a chance he finds his way to the Majors next year, so be on the lookout. Jarren Duran’s going to be something special. The Red Sox hit a home run with him.

Pairing him with Gilberto Jimenez in the future could be absolutely lethal. The speed is off-the-charts and the potential is too.

Home/Red Sox Prospects