Jarren Duran's make-or-break season as the Red Sox rebuild without stars
The Boston Red Sox are reshaping their roster after losing key players like Rafael Devers, Alex Bregman, and Rob Refsnyder. Team CEO Sam Kennedy has pointed to new contracts and extensions as proof of the club's ongoing investment in talent.
One player now in the spotlight is Jarren Duran, whose performance has swung between highs and lows in recent seasons. With leadership gaps to fill, his role could define the team's direction in 2025.
Last winter, the Red Sox trimmed payroll by letting third baseman Alex Bregman and outfielder Rob Refsnyder sign elsewhere. Trevor Story later acknowledged their impact, calling them vital presences in the clubhouse. The savings from trading Rafael Devers were then redirected into fresh deals, including extensions for young prospects like Roman Anthony and a new contract for pitcher Ranger Suárez.
Meanwhile, Jarren Duran enters his sixth season with mixed momentum. After an All-Star 2024 campaign, his numbers dipped in 2025—16 home runs and 24 stolen bases compared to 21 and 34 the prior year. Yet his 2023 season showed promise: a career-best barrel rate, fewer strikeouts, more walks, and league-leading totals in doubles and triples. His .832 OPS over the last two years still marks him as a power-speed threat.
With veterans gone, the front office has made it clear that Duran and others must step up. His ability to embrace leadership could determine whether he remains a cornerstone or fades in a changing lineup.
The Red Sox have reinvested in their roster, but success now hinges on younger players adapting to larger roles. Duran's performance and leadership will be closely watched as the team adjusts to life without Devers, Bregman, and Refsnyder. The coming season will reveal whether these changes strengthen the squad or leave further gaps to address.
