It’s Red Sox Rookie Development Program week and pitchers and catchers report to spring training in less than a month. Seven questions as baseball’s return draws nearer: 1. Why are the Sox haggling with Jarren Duran?

After his use of a homophobic slur directed at a fan Sunday, Jarren Duran was given a two-game suspension by the Red Sox. In truth, they were left with no alternative.

Team policy across the majors is to go to a hearing with any arbitration-eligible player who doesn’t agree before the deadline, but the Sox and Duran are at odds over $500,000.

The Boston Red Sox and their exciting new star Jarren Duran will head to arbitration over a mere $500,00 difference. The Red Sox may believe a trade is better.

Jarren Duran was one of the most dynamic players on the Boston Red Sox last season, but it looks like the two sides will head to salary arbitration this winter over $500,000.

Jarren Duran was the only arbitration-eligible player the Red Sox didn't settle with ahead of Thursday's loose deadline.

The Boston Red Sox reportedly are interested in contract extensions for Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell

Yes, the Red Sox plan to explore a long-term deal with lefthander Garrett Crochet this offseason, and yes, Crochet is open to that conversation. But he’s not the only player with whom the Red Sox are likely to pursue discussions about an extended stay in Boston.