Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Announces Lead-Off Hitter Amid Trade Rumors

The Boston Red Sox have plenty of questions that the club still needs to address.

The starting rotation certainly is the club's biggest question right now. Will Boston add another hurler? It's unclear at this point but it's a possibility. The future of Kenley Jansen also has popped up on multiple occasions and it seems like a trade could be a possibility. 

There still are other questions that need to be answered. Speedy outfielder Jarren Duran has been in trade rumors recently and the San Diego Padres have been floated as an option.

At this point, nothing has been reported as close so it should be expected that Duran at least will begin the 2024 season with Boston. 

Some have wondered who would lead off for the Red Sox in 2024, and manager Alex Cora announced that it would be Duran if he is healthy, according to MLB.com's Ian Browne. 

"Who will lead off for the Red Sox? 'If Jarren Duran is healthy, that's my guy.' Alex Cora (said)," as transcribed by Browne. 

Duran is a dynamic player when he's healthy and can impact the game in many areas. He showed improved defensive play in 2023 and took a major step forward offensively. 

If he isn't traded, he would be a very solid lead-off man. Duran has game-changing speed. He had a .346 on-base percentage last season with 24 stolen bases. If he can maintain his momentum from last season, he will get on base a lot and give the club plenty of opportunities to score runs from the top of the lineup.