As much of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut digs out from a historic blizzard, the Red Sox are playing baseball under the Florida sun. On Sunday, before the snow began falling up north, Boston defeated the Blue Jays, 11-10, at JetBlue Park.
One player who caught Alex Cora’s eye was Jarren Duran, who flashed pull-side power.
“He hit two balls right on the screws today,” Cora said. “So that’s a good sign.”
The speedy outfielder went 2-for-3, crushing two doubles with exit velocities of 105.4 and 104.6 mph.
“Be on time and hit the ball hard — that’s what we want,” Cora said. “Last year, it felt like he was in between — between the leg kick and this and that. This offseason, the work was about that: just be on time.”
Duran ripped a first-inning double into right field and added a ground-rule double in the fifth down the right-field line.
“I know it’s early, but JD seems like a different hitter,” Cora said. “He’s hitting the ball really hard to the pull side and getting to pitches he probably didn’t get to last year. We’re expecting big things from him.”
Duran hit 41 doubles last season, most of them to left field. While it’s only one Grapefruit League game, he looked on time with each swing — though it’s still a small sample size.
Jarren Duran smokes a double off his bat to start the spring. 105.4 EV. Chef's kiss on the sound. pic.twitter.com/FMXNXlOei3
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) February 22, 2026
Trade rumors swirled around Duran all offseason due to Boston’s outfield logjam, which includes Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu. All four are expected to factor into the offensive equation this season, with Duran likely moving down to the No. 3 spot in the lineup.
Duran started 25 games batting third last season. In that role, he hit .266 with a .384 on-base percentage, .479 slugging percentage, and an .863 OPS, adding four home runs, eight doubles, and 15 RBI.
“At the end, when Roman (Anthony) got hurt, we got back to him leading off, and he was trying to force it,” Cora said. “I thought he chased pitches. He was trying to force the action instead of letting the game come to him. Last year, hitting third, he was able to slow down. He was outstanding with men in scoring position — him and Trevor (Story).”
If Duran is looking to reestablish himself as the 2024 version — when he posted an 8.7 bWAR — he’ll likely split time between left field and designated hitter. Regular at-bats for Duran could limit opportunities for Masataka Yoshida and Kristian Campbell, if Campbell makes the Opening Day roster.
Few will lament reduced playing time for Yoshida, but as long as he remains on the 26-man roster, his fit continues to feel uncertain.
Captain of the Infield: Trevor Story
Trevor Story enters the season as one of two infielders with a guaranteed role. He’ll be the everyday shortstop, while Willson Contreras will man first base. Second and third base will be sorted out during camp and the remainder of the Grapefruit League schedule.
Story enjoyed a healthy 2025 season — his first full campaign with Boston — and the 33-year-old spent the winter fine-tuning his defense.
The veteran focused on improving his
