Jarren Duran providing optimism with new stance and early performance
Fewer Red Sox players have as much to prove as Jarren Duran in spring training. The former top prospect struggled at the plate last season and was part of a few unforgettable plays in the outfield. Over the last few weeks, he has made noticeable changes, and they are providing optimism early on.
In his first Grapefruit league game on Friday, Duran terrorized the Twins' pitching. The former top prospect went 2-2 at the plate with a home run and double. As the Red Sox offense recorded eight hits, Duran led the way while using the opposite field to his advantage.
Additionally, the California native has tweaked his batting stance to get on base more and utilize his speed. He has added a toe tap instead of a leg kick and has been quicker to the ball. Against the Twins, he seemed more confident at the plate and started his hands in a hitting position.
As Duran looks to turn the page on the 2022 campaign, he must use his strengths to his advantage. Last season he posted a .410 batting average when he hit the ball to the opposite field. On Monday, both of his hits went in that direction. If he can consistently do that at Fenway, then he will not be an easy batter to face.
While spring training is far from over, the former seventh-round pick has arrived at camp determined to prove himself. He has three extra-base hits in four at-bats and surpassed his home run total. That is an encouraging sign after he finished the 2022 campaign with a .221 batting average in 58 games for the Red Sox.
With Opening Day now less than a month away, Duran is one player to watch closely. In 91 games at the major league level, he has posted a .219 batting average and struck out 103 times. However, when he has reached base, Duran has been a headache for opposing pitchers and stole nine bases while being caught twice. Duran is at his best when he puts pressure on opposing pitchers with his speed.
Although the sample size is small, Duran’s changes have paid off so far. Only time will tell if they provide sustained success, but his play has been hard to ignore and create optimism about his future.
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