Why Jaren Duran is playing right field in spring training

The Boston Red Sox made a subtle but strategic adjustment early on spring training exercises. Jarren Duran takes reps in right field, a move directly related to the upcoming World Baseball Classic and not any regular season changes within the projected Boston Field.

Spring training games haven’t started yet—the Red Sox open their Grapefruit League schedule Saturday against the Minnesota Twins—but defensive positioning during practice has already drawn attention.

During his tenure at Red Sok, Duran primarily worked in the center and left field. His real duties on the pitch in February prioritize tournament readiness over any change in the club’s long-term strategy. Willier Abreu remains Boston’s established starting right fielder, and that hierarchy hasn’t changed.

With the World Baseball Classic set for March, Duran will represent Team Mexico. He is expected to man the right field during the tournament, prompting the Red Sox to prioritize comfort with positioning, reads and pitching angles from that corner before international action begins.

MassLive’s Chris Cotillo addressed the speculation Monday afternoon on X (formerly known as Twitter), clarifying defensive alignment in Fort Myers.

“Jaren Duran will play RF in games only because the Red Sox want to get him in for the WBC, where he will play RF for Team Mexico. Abreu is obviously the starter there.”

Clarification is important. Some observers wondered if Boston was experimenting with a permanent position change. Cotillo’s report confirms that the adjustment is temporary and strictly related to preparation for the World Baseball Classic.

From a list standpoint, stability remains intact. Abreu’s role as the starting right fielder is secure, while Duran’s athleticism continues to provide defensive flexibility.

Preparing the 29-year-old speedster for right field now reduces the risk of defensive mistakes when the tournament begins. It also ensures that the 2018 seventh-round pick enters the World Baseball Classic with live replays when the Red Sox open spring training schedule on Saturday against the Twins.

For the Red Sox, the collaboration with Team Mexico reflects a proactive approach. The organization is balancing international commitments with regular season priorities while maintaining clarity within the outfield depth chart heading into 2026.