Jarren Duran’s cold June start could force the Red Sox into a tough trade deadline decision

Jarren Duran’s cold June start could force the Red Sox into a tough trade deadline decision originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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So far, the month of June has not been kind to the Boston Red Sox. They are 2-4, last place in the AL East, and 4.5 games out of the AL Wild Card. While they are still somewhat in the race for contention, they are taking on water fast. 

Last month however, it seemed like things were turning around. Hitters were hot, especially Boston’s All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran, who was blasting homer after homer. Now though, it seems like he has majorly cooled off, and due to that, the Red Sox have cooled off. 

Duran was a superstar in May

© David Butler II-Imagn Images

While the Sox were 12-14 in May, Duran was a major part of those 12 wins. In 26 games last month, he slashed .261/.331/.548/.879 with three doubles, a triple, nine home runs, 22 RBI, and five stolen bases.

His defense has also picked up, which used to be one of his bigger weaknesses. So far this season, he’s in the 91st percentile for Outs Above Average with four. That’s also second place in the MLB among left fielders, with only Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Chandler Simpson ahead of him.

June has been rough for Duran

© Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

While June is the month that people expect players to really heat up, Duran has been cooling down.  

Since the month began, Duran is now slashing a meager .120 AVG with a .320 OPS, as he is 3-25 with 10 strikeouts. He also has a negative -27 wRC+, where the league average is 100, and he had a 137 wRC+ in May. 

Boston needs to make a decision 

© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Duran showed his offensive prowess is still there, and his defense has improved. Currently, the Sox are carrying five outfielders on their MLB roster, and six with Roman Anthony on the IL.

While the Sox should currently be buyers at the deadline, which is subject to change, selling high on Duran while they can should also be a priority. Hopefully, they realize this and get to work on making proposals to start sending out in the next month.

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