Jarren Duran puts the Red Sox on notice in Worcester home opener
Yesterday was the home opener for the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate in Worcester. The Woo Sox finally got to unveil their new home to the masses and Polar Park saw them walk away with the win. While the opening of the park was the overarching story of the day what many walked away from the game talking about was Jarren Duran. Boston’s top outfield prospect has been on the collective minds of the Fenway Faithful and his performance yesterday just increased their desire to see him called up.
While the season didn’t start as hot for him as many would’ve liked it sure looks like the power-hitting outfielder has gotten into a groove at the plate. Batting lead-off yesterday afternoon afforded him several chances at the plate and he capitalized on some while missing his chances on others.
At the end of the day, he went 2-5 with two massive homers that saw him drive in three runs. His line after yesterday was increased to .286/.355/.607/.962 with 3 homers and 4RBI. He also owns an 11/3 K/B ratio which isn’t the prettiest but that’s the slugger’s curse.
Around a week ago it was said by Chaim Bloom that we would have to wait to see Duran in the Majors as he wants him to spend time in Triple-A to continue developing his skills. This is a totally understandable thought process and I don’t disagree with it at all.
There are things he’ll be able to work on in Worcester that he hasn’t been able to elsewhere while also seeing the highest level of opposition in his career. But, with how poorly the bottom of the Red Sox batting order is performing, it’s hard to not want to make that phone call.
While we’re more than likely going to see Danny Santana called up before Duran just based on his MLB experience, I don’t feel like it’ll be long before Jarren is smacking dingers at Fenway Park. I wouldn’t mind seeing a bit of a bigger sample size for him down in Worcester against the rest of the league while he works on sharpening his tools.
The thing is, if he keeps producing as he has as of late then Bloom may not have much of a choice in promoting him. Adding Santana should help the bottom of the order and the outfield defense but he won’t be enough.
More from Red Sox News
- Red Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports Group
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
Despite each having a good game recently both Hunter Renfroe and more so Franchy Cordero has been dead weight at the bottom of the order. Add in Bobby Dalbec and Boston’s 7-9 hitters aren’t producing much of anything. I would imagine that when the time comes Alex Cora will likely plug one or both Santana and Duran into that part of his lineup to try and add a spark to the mediocre. As much as they want to keep him in Triple-A to refine himself some more, that time will get expedited if the offense continues to sputter.
Duran has proven that he can be a slugger at a high level but this is his first taste of the top tier in the developmental system. He’s been successful at every level of his career both home and abroad so I doubt this will be the time for him to have issues.
While the Red Sox are doing well and are keeping pace to maintain their AL East lead, injuries have begun to rear their ugly heads. I think Bloom wants to keep Jarren in Worcester until later in the season, I also think he knows he can’t hold off on a guy that can make this team better in a hurry if necessary.
Jarren Duran is probably the one player in Triple-A that fans are the most excited to see at Fenway Park this year. He’s got the tool to succeed at the Major League level and has shown that he can be a big bat in the lineup. With two homers yesterday he more than let Chaim Bloom and the Red Sox know that he’s ready to get to work. Given a few more weeks in Worcester he’ll be a storm to be reckoned with once his phone does finally ring.