The Boston Red Sox have desperately needed a boost offensively so far this season and it appears as though they may have finally unlocked outfielder Jarren Duran.
There are few guys in the lineup who have struggled more offensively than Duran to kick off the 2026 season, but things changed over the last five games for him. In Duran's first 39 games this season, he slashed .174/.238/.290 with a .528 OPS, four homers, 18 RBIs, nine stolen bases, and six doubles.
Over the last five games, he has looked much more like the 2024 version of himself. In the last five games, Duran has slashed .368/.458/.947 with a 1.406 OPS, two homers, six RBIs, one stolen base, three doubles, one triple and three runs scored.
He has been a menace for opposing teams at the top of the order and it's no surprise that Boston is 4-1 over the stretch. Boston's pitching has been among the best in baseball and the offense has just been looking for a spark. When Duran is at his best, he is an absolute game-changer who can transform the Red Sox's lineup.
With his speed, there are few guys in the leauge who can cause as much havoc on the base paths as Duran. He's able to turn singles into doubles, doubles into triples, and more. When you have a guy like that getting on base at the top of the order, it makes things easier for everyone in the lineup.
If this version of Duran is here to stay, Boston is going to find a lot of wins.