Red Sox Secure Jarren Duran with $7.7 Million 2026 Contract
The Boston Red Sox have finalized a one-year contract with outfielder Jarren Duran for the 2026 season. The deal is valued at $7.7 million and includes incentives that could result in an additional $75,000 in performance bonuses.
Contract Details
Initially, Duran had an $8 million team option for the 2026 season. However, the Red Sox opted to decline that option, paying a $100,000 buyout before negotiating this new agreement.
Performance Bonuses
- Extra $25,000 for 450 plate appearances
- Extra $25,000 for 500 plate appearances
- Extra $25,000 for 550 plate appearances
Duran’s Performance Overview
This past season, Duran, aged 29, demonstrated strong abilities at the plate. He posted the following statistics over 157 games and 696 plate appearances:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .256 |
| On-Base Percentage | .332 |
| Slugging Percentage | .442 |
| OPS | .774 |
| Home Runs | 16 |
| RBIs | 84 |
| Doubles | 41 |
| Triples | 13 |
| Walks | 60 |
| Strikeouts | 169 |
While Duran’s OPS experienced a decline of 60 points from his previous All-Star season in 2024, he remains a valuable asset. He made 129 starts in left field, 22 in center field, and one as a designated hitter. Defensively, he recorded nine runs saved over 1,346 innings in the outfield.
Future Considerations
With Duran still under team control until 2028 and two years of arbitration eligibility remaining after 2026, he is positioned for continued growth. Discussion is underway regarding the possibility of trading one of the Red Sox outfielders in the offseason, with Duran and fellow outfielder Wilyer Abreu mentioned as likely candidates.
