BOSTON — Star outfielder Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox avoided arbitration when they agreed to a one-year contract guaranteeing $3.85 million, a deal that includes an 8-team option million dollars for 2026.
Duran receives a $3.75 million salary for this year and the option carries a $100,000 buyout.
The option price would increase to $9 million if he finishes top 20 in MVP voting, $10 million if he makes the top 10, $11 million if he is among the top five and $12 million if he takes home the honor. If he doesn’t make the top 20 and is chosen for the All-MLB Second Team, the option price would be $8.5 million.
He can earn $150,000 in performance bonuses this year for his plate appearances: $50,000 each for 450, 500 and 550.
If he is traded, the option would be eliminated and the receiving team would owe him a $100,000 assignment bonus.
First eligible for arbitration, Duran had requested a raise from $760,000 to $4 million and was offered $3.5 million when the first numbers were exchanged.
Duran finished eighth in MVP voting last year after hitting .285 with 21 home runs, 75 RBIs, 34 steals, 48 doubles and 111 runs.
Fifteen players remain on track for arbitration hearings.
