Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

Alex Cora Makes Jarren Duran Decision Amid Red Sox Slow Start

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated May 16, 2025 2:57 PM ET

Alex Cora, the Boston Red Sox manager, has a lot of issues he's dealing with through the first month of the season. From injuries to key players to disgruntled stars, Cora has his hands full.

However, there is one area where he has an answer, despite the questions surrounding the decision. In an article from Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe, Cora revealed his plan for Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran in the lineup.

Cora said that despite the slow start for Duran, he has no intention of taking Duran out of the leadoff spot. Abraham wrote, "... But Cora said there are now plans to take him [Duran] out of the leadoff spot."

Through the first 44 games of the 2025 season, Duran has been the Red Sox's leadoff hitter. In the MLB-leading 208 plate appearances, Duran has a batting average of .253, a base percentage of .298, a slugging percentage of .376, good for an OPS of .674.

His numbers have been well below his 2023 and 2024 season numbers. Duran has a lower batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS than he had in the past two seasons.

Duran's OPS+ is also significantly lower, sitting at 88 after being at 121 in 2023 and 131 in 2024. The All-Star from 2024 hasn't made the same impact on the Red Sox in 2025, as he's struggled out of the gate.

After an 8.7 WAR season in 2024, Duran, through the first 44 games, has zero wins above replacement. His regression has hit the Red Sox hard and is part of why the Red Sox are off to a mediocre start.

Despite all of the struggles the Red Sox and Duran are going through, they are still not out of the postseason race yet. A turnaround wouldn't be out of the question.

But, Duran needs to improve his hitting in the leadoff spot if the Red Sox want to turn their season around. Duran has the faith of Cora behind him, as Cora has no intentions of taking Duran out of the leadoff spot despite his lackluster start.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: