Red Sox Expected To Promote Jarren Duran

[a700hitter]

Red Sox Expected To Promote Jarren Duran

 

By Anthony Franco | July 14, 2021 at 10:59pm CDT

The Red Sox are promoting top outfield prospect Jarren Duran to make his major league debut tomorrow night against the Yankees, reports Joe McDonald of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette (Twitter link). Boston’s 40-man roster is full, so another move is required to accommodate the formal selection of his contract.

Duran is one of the game’s more promising young talents. While he fell to the seventh round of the 2018 draft coming out Long Beach State, he immediately improved his stock upon entering pro ball. The speedster posted incredible numbers across two levels of A-ball over his first year-plus in the minors before hitting a bit of a bump in the road upon a 2019 promotion to Double-A. He spent all of 2020 at the alternate training site, where reports suggested he’d revamped his swing path to incorporate more loft in an attempt to hit for power.

Evaluators took note of Duran’s changed profile, but last year’s cancelation of the minor league season still left some question whether he’d be able to translate his new mechanics into results. He’s done all he can to answer those doubts this season, hitting a whopping .270/.365/.561 across 219 plate appearances with Triple-A Worcester. Duran has popped fifteen home runs over the year’s first half after hitting a grand total of seven round-trippers over his 880 trips to the plate between 2018-19. A livelier Triple-A baseball could account for some of that production, but there’s little question Duran’s adjustments have had a sizable impact upon his newfound power.

The improved performance has also raised Duran’s stock in the public prospect rankings sphere. Eric Longenhagen and Kevin Goldstein of FanGraphs now slot the left-handed hitting outfielder as the game’s #55 overall prospect. (Entering the season, he wasn’t among FanGraphs’ top 133 farmhands, although he did slot seventh in the site’s rankings of Red Sox minor leaguers).

Importantly, Duran’s uptick in power hasn’t come with much accompanying swing-and-miss. His 23.7% strikeout rate this season is right in line with his 2019 mark in Double-A. That’s a bit higher than his low minors strikeout percentages but not glaringly so, and there’s little question the improved batted ball authority has been worth any small dip in contact rate.

Now that he’s in the big leagues, Duran looks likely to take over center field on a regular basis. Boston has gotten very little out of the position this year, with a cumulative .236/.300/.392 mark from their group of Kiké Hernández, Alex Verdugo, Danny Santana and Hunter Renfroe. With Duran up, the Sox can rely on Verdugo and Renfroe in the corners on most days while keeping J.D. Martinez at designated hitter. That’ll push Hernández back into the utility role for which he’s best suited. Santana’s currently on the injured list, with Marwin González expected to land on the shelf as well. One of that underperforming duo could find themselves squeezed off the roster upon their return from the IL.

The Red Sox hold a 1.5 game lead over the Rays in the American League East, so Duran’s being thrust right into the thick of a pennant race. Between his combination of Triple-A production and the Sox mediocre center field situation, it had become increasingly apparent Boston should at least give Duran an opportunity to stake a claim to the job. He’ll get that chance beginning tomorrow against their archivals, over whom they have an eight-game advantage in the standings.

Duran won’t earn a full year of major league service in 2021, nor is he expected to accrue enough service time to qualify for early arbitration as a Super Two player. If he remains in the majors from here on out, he’ll be controllable through 2027 and won’t reach arbitration-eligibility until after the 2024 campaign.

[mvp 78]

First I'm hearing of this!

[moonslav59]

Whatever you do, don’t tell iortiz!

[notin]

Whatever you do, don’t tell iortiz!

 

Remember when we all bashed him for saying a top 30 MLB prospect already in AAA should be promoted?

 

 

Me neither. (Although this post might count.)

[mvp 78]

Remember when we all bashed him for saying a top 30 MLB prospect already in AAA should be promoted?

 

 

Me neither. (Although this post might count.)

 

I do remember all those posts saying that Duran should not be promoted in 2021 under any circumstance. That is a thing that definitely happened.

[moonslav59]

I do remember all those posts saying that Duran should not be promoted in 2021 under any circumstance. That is a thing that definitely happened.

 

Can you find just one?

[mvp 78]

Can you find just one?

 

Like sands through the hourglass, so are all of the posts about you hating on Duran.

[moonslav59]

Like sands through the hourglass, so are all of the posts about you hating on Duran.

 

Oh, the sarcasm hour glass.

[Hugh2]

It’s so great to see Duran coming up to bolster the 1-9 and Houck come up to bolster the bullpen.

[mvp 78]

https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/article/baseball-daily-dose/jarren-duran-arrives-jarred-kelenic-returns?utm_tags=Edge1477

 

After sending a league-high five representatives to the MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field earlier this week, the Red Sox’ loaded lineup will receive a considerable boost on Thursday evening with top prospect Jarren Duran being promoted to make his major-league debut in the team’s second-half opener against the division-rival Yankees. A massive swing overhaul has enabled the 24-year-old outfielder to unlock hidden over-the-fence pop, and blossom into a truly dynamic power/speed offensive force, slashing .270/.365/.561 with 15 homers and 12 stolen bases across 219 plate appearances at Triple-A Worcester this season. He’s expected to take over as the Red Sox everyday center fielder moving forward, with versatile veteran Enrique Hernandez transitioning to second base, replacing injured super-utility specialist Marwin Gonzalez. Duran projects as an immediate top-of-the-order catalyst, with the potential to make a significant impact in the runs scored and stolen base departments, thanks to his plate skills, plus-plus speed and a truly sublime surrounding cast. There’s some legitimate risk in his offensive profile, as the dramatic swing change has introduced a bit more swing-and-miss to his game, which could become problematic at the highest level.

[mvp 78]

Reminder:

 

Home 1106 OPS

 

Away 739 OPS

[Bellhorn04]

First I'm hearing of this!

 

Nice opening post though.

[mvp 78]

Nice opening post though.

 

This part was a little obscene though:

 

Duran’s being thrust right into the thick of a pennant race.

[notin]

https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/article/baseball-daily-dose/jarren-duran-arrives-jarred-kelenic-returns?utm_tags=Edge1477

 

After sending a league-high five representatives to the MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field earlier this week, the Red Sox’ loaded lineup will receive a considerable boost on Thursday evening with top prospect Jarren Duran being promoted to make his major-league debut in the team’s second-half opener against the division-rival Yankees. A massive swing overhaul has enabled the 24-year-old outfielder to unlock hidden over-the-fence pop, and blossom into a truly dynamic power/speed offensive force, slashing .270/.365/.561 with 15 homers and 12 stolen bases across 219 plate appearances at Triple-A Worcester this season. He’s expected to take over as the Red Sox everyday center fielder moving forward, with versatile veteran Enrique Hernandez transitioning to second base, replacing injured super-utility specialist Marwin Gonzalez. Duran projects as an immediate top-of-the-order catalyst, with the potential to make a significant impact in the runs scored and stolen base departments, thanks to his plate skills, plus-plus speed and a truly sublime surrounding cast. There’s some legitimate risk in his offensive profile, as the dramatic swing change has introduced a bit more swing-and-miss to his game, which could become problematic at the highest level.

 

 

So NBC sports edge is unaware that the Sox 2b is Christian Arroyo?

[iortiz]

Whatever you do, don’t tell iortiz!

 

My point stands.

 

Most people who were arguing with Nick a month ago or so didn't think Duran was ready.

 

Some arguments were brought in to support the later.

 

Some thought he couldn't hit in away parks. Some thought that his splits weren't good enough. Some thought his defense wasn't ready. etc.

 

If he wasn't ready in mid-late June when he OPSed 900+, He wouldn't be ready now when he is OPSing 500 in July.

 

Some thought as well he should stay in minors in 2021 and start in 2022, and there's nothing wrong with that but at the time I thought it was a very bad idea specially because we had nothing to lose as Nick said.

 

Nick, ot and few others like me thought he was ready and some went to our necks as you are doing right now.

 

You spend most of your time posting here, but I have good memory lol

 

Said that, I think Bloom knew he was ready not only a month ago or so but probably entering the season, but thing was, he wanted to give Santana, Marwin, Kike, Arroyo, Chavis, Cordero and Renfroe a good chunk of ABs and figure out what to do next, not only for the 2021 season but moving forward. All those names were huge question marks entering the season.

 

I think Bloom right now has a very good idea of what he wants, reason why he is calling Duran right now but not necessarily because he wasn't ready a month ago or so as some argued, but because he wanted to see those question marks first.

Edited July 15, 2021 by iortiz

[Bellhorn04]

Frankly, we don't know that Duran is ready now. He's getting a look-see, that's all we know.

[mvp 78]

Frankly, we don't know that Duran is ready now. He's getting a look-see, that's all we know.

 

I can't believe you are doubting that he should EVER be called up. WTF?

[mvp 78]

So NBC sports edge is unaware that the Sox 2b is Christian Arroyo?

 

Seems like it.

[mvp 78]

My point stands.

 

Most people who were arguing with Nick a month ago or so didn't think Duran was ready.

 

Some arguments were brought in to support the later.

 

Some thought he couldn't hit in away parks. Some thought that his splits weren't good enough. Some thought his defense wasn't ready. etc.

 

If he wasn't ready in mid-late June when he OPSed 900+, He wouldn't be ready now when he is OPSing 500 in July.

 

Some thought as well he should stay in minors in 2021 and start in 2022, and there's nothing wrong with that but at the time I thought it was a very bad idea specially because we had nothing to lose as Nick said.

 

Nick, ot and few others like me thought he was ready and some went to our necks as you are doing right now.

 

You spend most of your time posting here, but I have good memory lol

 

Said that, I think Bloom knew he was ready not only a month ago or so but probably entering the season, but thing was, he wanted to give Santana, Marwin, Kike, Arroyo, Chavis, Cordero and Renfroe a good chunk of ABs and figure out what to do next, not only for the 2021 season but moving forward. All those names were huge question marks entering the season.

 

I think Bloom right now has a very good idea of what he wants, reason why he is calling Duran right now but not necessarily because he wasn't ready a month ago or so as some argued, but because he wanted to see those question marks first.

 

His defense isn't ready and he can't hit away from Polar Park. He may be ready though. I would have brought him up when they demoted Cordero. These aren't mutually exclusive opinions.

[iortiz]

If Duran plays CF everyday as the article suggests, I think Kike takes a utility role, unless he plays 1B.

 

As the the article suggests, offensively we have got poor numbers from Kike/Santana.

 

The other possibility is that Duran plays 2B but wouldn't make sense because you have Arroyo there who has been a great surprise.

[mvp 78]

If Duran plays CF everyday as the article suggests, I think Kike takes a utility role, unless he plays 1B.

 

As the the article suggests, offensively we have got poor numbers from Kike/Santana.

 

The other possibility is that Duran plays 2B but wouldn't make sense because you have Arroyo there who has been a great surprise.

 

Kiké will play more than Duran going forward. Santana is off the roster for now.

 

Duran won't play 2b. He hasn't played there at all since the beginning of the 2018 season for Lowell.

[iortiz]

Frankly, we don't know that Duran is ready now. He's getting a look-see, that's all we know.

 

 

Sure, none prospect is a done deal even top ones. As Nick said, we have nothing to lose. Odds say, he will be better than Kike/Santana/Marwin/Chavis at very least at offense. Maybe better than Arroyo and Renfroe, IDK. We'll see.

 

If he splashes as most people want and desire, we have our next CF/2B of the future, If not, he can be sent down and try again in 2022. No big deal.

[mvp 78]

Sure, none prospect is a done deal even top ones. As Nick said, we have nothing to lose. Odds say, he will be better than Kike/Santana/Marwin/Chavis at very least at offense. Maybe better than Arroyo and Renfroe, IDK. We'll see.

 

If he splashes as most people want and desire, we have our next CF/2B of the future, If not, he can be sent down and try again in 2022. No big deal.

 

Kiké has a 746 OPS after starting off ice cold. He has a 914 OPS over the last 30 days. Odds are that Duran will not have a 900 OPS.

 

He's the LFer of the future. Similar to how some people wanted to project Beni as a CFer. Duran just isn't that good there.

[iortiz]

Kiké will play more than Duran going forward. Santana is off the roster for now.

 

Duran won't play 2b. He hasn't played there at all since the beginning of the 2018 season for Lowell.

 

Well, some suggested as well that he will play everyday when called up.

 

Yeah I'm not sure about the later. He can come off the bench as well, learn while contribute in different ways.

 

OTOH If he splashes offensively and his D is good enough, I bet he plays everyday.

Edited July 15, 2021 by iortiz

[iortiz]

Kiké has a 746 OPS after starting off ice cold. He has a 914 OPS over the last 30 days. Odds are that Duran will not have a 900 OPS.

 

He's the LFer of the future. Similar to how some people wanted to project Beni as a CFer. Duran just isn't that good there.

 

Hopefully Kike keeps those numbers moving forward but I doubt it. His career OPS in July, August and September are in the mid 700s.

 

I do think Duran can do better, maybe not 900 but something around 800, but again, we'll see.

 

Regarding the D, probably Verdugo will take CF and Duran LF if Duran does not look good in CF.

[mvp 78]

Well, some suggested as well that he will play everyday when called up.

 

Yeah I'm not sure about that the later. He can come off the bench as well, learn while contribute in different ways.

 

OTOH If he splashes offensively and his D is good enough, I bet he plays everyday.

 

I believe he'll have the opportunity to earn a starting role. I don't think he's quite there yet. I think he'll share time in a rotation between LF and CF. Kiké will probably due a 50/50 split with CF/2B. Arroyo has been pretty good so I don't see him being benched.

[jacksonianmarch]

Durran is interesting, but few players come up with a vengeance and never struggle.

[mvp 78]

Hopefully Kike keeps those numbers moving forward but I doubt it. His career OPS in July, August and September are in the mid 700s.

 

I do think Duran can do better, maybe not 900 but something around 800, but again, we'll see.

 

Regarding the D, probably Verdugo will take CF and Duran LF if Duran does not look good in CF.

 

If it's between Verdugo and Duran, Duran should play CF. At least he'll be getting experience there. Verdugo is just not fit for CF.

[mvp 78]

Durran is interesting, but few players come up with a vengeance and never struggle.

 

 

That can't all be our precious future HOFer.

[moonslav59]

My point stands.

 

Most people who were arguing with Nick a month ago or so didn't think Duran was ready.

 

Some arguments were brought in to support the later.

 

Some thought he couldn't hit in away parks. Some thought that his splits weren't good enough. Some thought his defense wasn't ready. etc.

 

If he wasn't ready in mid-late June when he OPSed 900+, He wouldn't be ready now when he is OPSing 500 in July.

 

Some thought as well he should stay in minors in 2021 and start in 2022, and there's nothing wrong with that but at the time I thought it was a very bad idea specially because we had nothing to lose as Nick said.

 

Nick, ot and few others like me thought he was ready and some went to our necks as you are doing right now.

 

You spend most of your time posting here, but I have good memory lol

 

Said that, I think Bloom knew he was ready not only a month ago or so but probably entering the season, but thing was, he wanted to give Santana, Marwin, Kike, Arroyo, Chavis, Cordero and Renfroe a good chunk of ABs and figure out what to do next, not only for the 2021 season but moving forward. All those names were huge question marks entering the season.

 

I think Bloom right now has a very good idea of what he wants, reason why he is calling Duran right now but not necessarily because he wasn't ready a month ago or so as some argued, but because he wanted to see those question marks first.

 

Almost all your points are just plain wrong.

 

Only OT got it right. (I won't say I did because I never made a prediction on when he'd be called up.)

 

You said he should be called up over a month ago- maybe longer. You were just as wrong as the rest who said September.

 

Nobody said 2022. You need to show proof even one did to support that untruthful claim.