Boston Red Sox: Five things we learned from Spring Training 2021
By Sean Penney
Jarren Duran is an exciting Red Sox prospect
The Jarren Duran hype train is picking up steam following an impressive training camp. The speedy outfielder is one of the most exciting prospects in the Red Sox farm system. We heard whispers about his emerging power during his time at the alternate site in Pawtucket last year and he dominated in winter ball down in Puerto Rico. Spring training was the first opportunity for most fans to get an extended look at Duran and he didn’t disappoint.
Duran hit .333 with a 1.048 OPS in 48 at-bats. He bashed three home runs, the last of which came in his final plate appearances of the spring. Duran also swiped a pair of bases and with his speed, he’s capable of stealing many more.
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As eager as we are to see Duran make his major league debut, he still needs some polishing in the minors. He’s never played above Double-A and the Red Sox aren’t willing to let their top prospects skip a level in the wake of last year’s cancelled minor league season.
Duran’s blazing speed should allow him to develop into a solid defensive center fielder but the converted infielder still needs time to learn the position. He also needs to work on his plate discipline after striking out 20 times with only two walks this spring. These as aspects of his game that Duran can polish up in Triple-A to begin the season with an eye on getting called up later this year.
The departure of Jackie Bradley Jr. hit hard for many Red Sox fans who remain in awe by his wizardry with the glove. Boston will certainly miss his defensive presence in the outfield but one of the reasons why the club didn’t fight harder to re-sign him is the progress of Duran. Bradley Jr. would have only been a temporary stopgap until the prospect is deemed ready. Duran’s time is coming and the results we saw this spring show it will be sooner rather than later.