In the Red Sox’ overcrowded outfield, one feasible and perhaps probable alignment features Jarren Duran as the designated hitter, a starting assignment he has drawn just twice across parts of five seasons in the majors.
“Well, I would be the fastest DH in the league,” he said. “So that’s a start.”
Duran was not wrong, but it speaks to the ambiguity surrounding him entering 2026 — about his role, about how frequently he will be in the lineup, about his longer-term Red Sox future.
This much is certain: When other teams came calling over the offseason, noting the Sox’ four outfielders for three spots and thinking they could benefit, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow maintained a high standard. He did not actively want to trade Duran, telling teams he was comfortable keeping the quartet intact. So far, he has.
What is less certain: How all this will actually work.
Read the full story from Tim Healey at BostonGlobe.com/Sports. | 
