The Boston Red Sox are in an interesting position with Jarren Duran, who’s set to hit the free agency market in 2029. Arbitration eligible in 2026, Durand signed a one-year, $3.85 million deal with a team option in 2026 during the offseason.
There was contract drama all offseason, something the Red Sox likely wanted to avoid.
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Instead, the team attempted to be cheap in what they gave him, something they’ll have to consider again over the next few years. According to The Athletic, it’s possible that the Red Sox weren’t happy with Duran’s comments to a fan last summer, which he apologized for after making a homophobic remark.
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
“Duran has been vocal about his confidence and self-esteem issues in the past and coming off a career season, the team suggesting he is not worth the salary he asked for could be risky. It’s possible the club viewed Duran’s homophobic slur directed at a fan last summer as part of their reasoning, but they have not made that known,” they wrote.
Regardless of the reason, the Red Sox will eventually have to be ready to give him a decent deal in free agency. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, that number will be at least $100 million, and it could’ve been $200 million if it weren’t for his age when he hits free agency.
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“He was originally on the $200 million list, but his age is a complicating factor. When Duran reaches free agency after the 2028 season, he will already be 32. And as dynamic a player as he is, outfielders who rely on their legs tend not to age well. That said, a $100 million-plus deal would be one hell of a consolation prize,” Passan wrote.
Major League Baseball is an unfair game regarding free agency due to all the arbitration rules. However, Duran, already 28 years old, should get a decent deal when the time comes if he continues playing at the level he has.
He posted a 131 OPS+ last season and led the league with 48 doubles and 14 triples.
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