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Red Sox’s Jarren Duran Reacts to Alex Cora Decreasing Playing Time

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nelson Hubbell | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 2:00 PM ET

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has noticeably scaled back playing time for 28-year-old Jarren Duran, a former All-Star and 2024 All-Star Game MVP.

Despite having his role scaled back, the outfielder has responded to that change with a blistering .346 batting average this month to date, while also reacting directly to the move by Cora.

"He's a good manager," Duran said (h/t MassLive). "A.C. has a plan and I trust him full tilt... Whatever he needs me to do, I'm gonna do."

Now that is the team-oriented reaction that Red Sox fans like to hear from their veteran leaders. It starkly contrasts the saga leading up to the team trading Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants.

The move towards a more calculated approach with Duran comes after Roman Anthony has emerged as a rookie star, with Wilyer Abreu also returning to the lineup from injury.

As the MLB Trade Deadline draws closer and rumors surrounding Boston trading Duran have continued to fly, Peter Chawaga at Newsweek laid out precisely what he thinks the drop in playing time means.

"In the near future, it looks like that will mean working to improve his production across fewer at-bats," Chawaga said. "But with the trade deadline looming and a logjam in the Red Sox outfield, perhaps some coming roster shakeups will change things again."

After a 2024 season where Duran slashed .285/.342/.492 with 24 home runs and 75 RBIs, leading the American League in triples, his numbers have dipped to a line of .262/.318/.427 with eight homers and 50 RBIs.

Anthony has offered similar production at the plate this season, while Wilyer Abreu has been a major weapon for the Red Sox offense. With the trade deadline approaching, the next few weeks will shape Cora's approach in the outfield for the remainder of the season.

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

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