With the Red Sox’s first spring training game of 2024 only a week away, manager Alex Cora has already decided who
will lead the team’s lineup this season.
If he’s healthy and not moved before opening day, Cora anticipates outfielder Jarren Duran to be Boston’s first
batter.
“When Jarren was the leadoff hitter for us, we were probably one of the best offenses in the majors,” Cora told
reporters Friday. “Clearly, we need him healthy and out there every day. If he’s healthy, that’s my man.”
Duran hit.319/.356/.567 with a.923 OPS in 35 games for the Red Sox in 2023. Duran was a spark plug for Boston’s
offense in that capacity, hitting five home runs, 16 doubles, and two triples in the leadoff spot.
The 27-year-old is also noted for his speed. Duran stole 24 bases on 26 attempts last season, adding to the Red Sox’s
offensive potential.
Duran has been generally healthy since his big league debut in 2021, through the end of 2023. The outfielder, who
played the majority of his games in center field last season (75 out of 96), injured his toe at Yankee Stadium in
August.
Duran’s season was cut short due to illness, but he is ready to start 2024.
As one of six outfielders on the Red Sox roster to begin the season, Cora is comfortable discussing Duran’s place on
the team at the outset of spring training.
If Duran is Boston’s leadoff hitter this season, he will most likely start in center field.
