Former Red Sox Top 5 prospect giving fans a show with post-hype breakout

Former Boston Red Sox top-five prospect Jarren Duran is giving fans reason to believe in the hype after a strong start to the 2023 season.

The Boston Red Sox didn’t exactly have the most hype entering the 2023 season, given that their offseason resulted in the loss of shortstop Xander Bogaerts in free agency. But, they are playing rather respectively in the final days of the month, sitting at 12-12 heading into Apr. 25.

One player who has really shined early on this season is the team’s former top-five prospect in outfielder Jarren Duran.

Entering Tuesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, he had recorded a .333 batting average, a .375 on-base percentage, a .481 slugging percentage, four runs scored, six RBI and nine hits.

Well, in the top of the third-inning, Duran crushed a grand slam to dead center field at Camden Yards to extend Boston’s lead to 7-0.

Red Sox: Jarren Duran crushes grand slam to continue hot start to 2023 season

Duran made his MLB debut with the Red Sox during the 2021 season but only for 33 games. The following year, he had a more extended stay, but did struggle during his time up in Boston. Notably, his lack of hustle in the outfield resorted in then-Toronto Blue Jay and current Red Sox teammate Raimel Tapia hitting an inside the park grand slam.

After not making the Opening Day roster, Duran was called up on Apr. 17. Thus far, he is living up to his expectations of being a true difference maker on the Red Sox for the foreseeable future.

In Boston’s 8-6 victory, Duran went 3-for-4 at the plate, while knocking in four runs. Now, Duran is slashing .387/.417/.645 while recording one home run, 10 RBI, seven runs scored and 12 hits through nine games played.

There is still plenty of season left to go, but so far, so good for Duran.