Jarren Duran DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey writes that Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran is expected to see more playing time in left field in 2025 with Ceddanne Rafaela in center field. Rafaela was forced to move to shortstop last year out of necessity when Trevor Story suffered a season-ending shoulder injury early in the season. With Story returning in 2025, Rafaela should spend more time in center field, which will push Duran to left. From a fantasy perspective, it won't change Duran's outlook much, although it could make him a little more attractive in leagues with specific left, center and right field starting lineup spots. Even if the 28-year-old takes a small step back in production in 2025, he'll be one of the better leadoff hitters in baseball. Duran continued to improve his strikeout and walk rates a year ago and also had a career-high barrel rate. He is RotoBaller's No. 10 fantasy outfielder.

Outfielder Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox agreed to a one-year, $3.85 million deal on Friday to avoid salary arbitration, according to sources. The deal also includes a team option for $8 million for the 2026 season. The Red Sox initially filed at $3.5 million in arbitration, with Duran asking for $4 million, but the two sides will now avoid going to trial. Depending on where the 28-year-old rising star finishes in the American League MVP voting this year, his club option in 2026 could rise to $12 million. Duran was in the first of four arbitration years and has an extra year of eligibility due to Super 2 status. The former seventh-round pick in 2018 out of Cal State Long Beach built on an impressive 2023 campaign to hit .285/.342/.492 with 21 homers, 75 RBI and 34 steals in 160 games. He led the league in doubles (48) and triples (14) and is RotoBaller's No. 22 overall fantasy player heading into spring training.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran had a monster game Monday as his team fell to the Toronto Blue Jays 7-3. Batting from the leadoff spot, Duran went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a two-run home run in Monday's loss. The 27-year-old has been solid all year for the Red Sox but has been scorching hot lately. In his last seven games, he has been slashing .417/.517/1.000 with three homers, five RBI, eight runs, five walks, and a stolen base. Duran will be a key player as the Red Sox hope to secure an AL Wild Card spot.