Sam Kennedy slammed after calling arbitration ‘necessary evil’ amid Jarren Duran contract dispute

Sam Kennedy faces backlash after referring to salary arbitration as a ‘necessary evil’ in Jarren Duran contract issue.

Sam Kennedy, the CEO of the Boston Red Sox, is facing backlash after referring to salary arbitration as a “necessary evil” when asked about the team’s ongoing contract negotiations with outfielder Jarren Duran.

Kennedy’s comments, shared by Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo on X (formerly Twitter), sparked a strong reaction from fans, many of whom accused Kennedy of mismanagement and deceit. 

These comments came after the Red Sox and Duran failed to reach a 2025 contract agreement before the deadline, with the two sides unable to settle on a $500,000 difference. Duran, who had a standout season, requested a $4 million salary, while the Red Sox offered $3.5 million.

This dispute over a relatively small sum has drawn frustration from Red Sox fans, particularly due to the team’s lack of significant spending in free agency. Many are reminded of the arbitration battles with former star Mookie Betts, who was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. While Duran may not yet be at Betts' level, many view him as a potential cornerstone of the team’s future.

Arbitration hearings can create public disputes over a player’s value, often straining relationships between players and teams. With the January deadline approaching, the Red Sox and Duran still have time to reach a resolution, or the case will be decided by an arbitrator.