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Red Sox Make Unexpected Jarren Duran Decision Before Cubs Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 5:26 PM ET

Outfield star Jarren Duran is in his fifth MLB season as a member of the Boston Red Sox. The 28-year-old California native made his big-league debut in 2021 but struggled to establish himself as a reliable option in the lineup over his first two seasons.

After a productive 2023 campaign that ended prematurely in August due to a season-ending toe injury, Duran fully broke out for the Red Sox in 2024.

He earned his first All-Star selection and finished eighth in AL MVP voting, leading all of baseball with 48 doubles and 14 triples while providing consistency at the top of Boston’s order.

Although he’s seen a slight dip in production, Duran has continued to produce in 2025 after a slow start.

With the Red Sox facing left-handed ace Shota Imanaga and the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, manager Alex Cora opted for a platoon advantage, leaving Duran out of the lineup in favor of teammate Rob Refsnyder.

Game 2 in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/b1S2CHglME
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 19, 2025

Through 98 games this year, Duran leads the American League in both plate appearances and at-bats. Last season, he led all of baseball in those categories over 160 games.

Duran currently has a .259 batting average, .753 OPS, eight home runs, 50 RBIs and 16 stolen bases for the Red Sox this season.

Boston has caught fire lately, riding a 10-game winning streak to place themselves in a playoff spot entering Saturday’s matchup with the Cubs. As the postseason approaches, Duran’s durability will be vital to sustaining the Red Sox’s recent success.

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

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