10 months agoBoston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran enjoyed a productive first full season in the Majors last year and will look to carry that success into the 2024 campaign. Duran bounced between the minors and Majors since 2021, and was in Triple-A to start last season. Now, it appears the former top prospect is in the Big Leagues for good and is penciled in as the Red Sox leadoff man heading into the season. Duran's high on-base ability combined with 96th percentile sprint speed makes the 27-year-old an ideal target in fantasy for runs and stolen bases as he swiped 24 bags last year while being caught only twice. He's not just a speed specialist, however, as Duran slashed .295/.346/.482 last year to go with eight homers, 46 runs, 40 RBI in 102 games. A look at his Statcast metrics shows Duran did outperform his expected stats since his xBA (.268) and xSLG (.401) were worse than his actual stats. However, regression shouldn't be assumed as his left-handed swing is tailor-made for Fenway Park. Duran hit the ball to the opposite field over 30 percent of the time and his 34 doubles ranked seventh in baseball at the time of his season-ending turf-toe injury on August 22. Entering Spring Training, Duran is healthy and an attractive fantasy option leading off for a potent Red Sox lineup. He's a high upside pick near his average draft position of 220 overall.--Mike Schwarzenbach - RotoBaller