Alex Cora is forecasting a bounce-back year from a key Boston Red Sox contributor.
The manager likes what he's seen from Jarren Duran to start spring training. Cora believes the outfielder already looks locked in and poised for 2026 success, per MassLive's Christopher Smith.
"I know it’s early, but JD seems like a different hitter," Cora said. "Hitting the ball really hard to the pull side. Getting to some pitches that last year probably he didn’t get (to). And expecting a lot of big things from him."
Duran broke out by batting .285/.342/.492 with 21 home runs and 34 stolen bases in 2024. He finished eighth in the American League MVP voting before taking a notable step back last season, recording a .256/.332/.442 slash line with 16 homers and 24 steals.
Although he regressed from an All-Star campaign, Duran still led all Red Sox position players in fWAR (3.8) in 2025. The lefty continued to compile extra-base hits, tallying 41 doubles and an AL-leading 13 triples.
Duran also delivered a troubling .600 OPS against left-handed pitchers, which could potentially cost him some playing time in a crowded Red Sox outfield also featuring Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu. He's played in all but seven games over the last two seasons.
Cora still sounds confident that Duran will anchor his lineup this season. The late-bloomer earned his skipper's admiration by smacking two doubles at exit velocities of 105.4 and 104.6 mph during Sunday's spring training win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
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