The Boston Red Sox already traded one All-Star hitter this summer, sending Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. Now, even with the team in playoff contention, All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran is popping up in MLB trade rumors this summer.
Duran, an All-MLB Second Team selection in 2024, isn’t quite replicating his success from last season. However, the 28-year-old is arguably the best outfielder potentially available ahead of the MLB trade deadline, and Boston does have a lot of suitors to create a bidding war.
- Jarren Duran stats (ESPN): .258/.318/.431, .749 OPS, 8 home runs, 10 triples, 16 steals in 399 ABs
Related: MLB trade targets for the best MLB teams right now
Let’s explore the best trade destinations for Duran, keeping in mind that the Red Sox are contenders and would be primarily focused on acquiring talent that can help them win soon.
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres have had a long-standing interest in Jarren Duran, with ESPN‘s Jeff Passan reporting the club’s interest is well known. One big reason for that is that San Diego’s left fielders have produced only a .229/.291/.341 triple-slash line this season, the fifth-lowest OPS (.632) at the position. Duran is especially enticing because of his contract, which carries added appeal for an organization that needs to be more financially prudent in the years to come.
- Jarren Duran contract (Spotrac): $3.75 million salary (2025), $8 million club option (2026), arbitration-eligible through 2028
San Diego has one of the deepest bullpens in MLB, which could allow it to package someone like All-Star closer Robert Suárez with a top prospect. This would help Boston’s bullpen and provide the Red Sox with a prospect they could use in a trade for a starting pitcher.
Also Read: Best Eugenio Suarez Trade Destinations
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies made a bad bet this offseason on Max Kepler, and the left-handed hitting outfielder has failed to produce. This has forced them to scour the trade market for a corner outfielder this summer, and Duran seems like a perfect fit considering the club’s direct approach. Philadelphia is also well-positioned to align with Boston on a trade. Two of the Phillies’ top prospects, Andrew Painter and Mick Abel, are right-handed pitchers who are both nearly ready to join a big-league rotation. Boston would get a cost-controlled starter, and Philadelphia would add an All-Star caliber corner outfielder whose contract would make it easier for the club to re-sign Kyle Schwarber this winter.
Related: Philadelphia Phillies taking very specific approach to MLB trade deadline
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers aren’t talked about much as a potential buyer ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Yet, this club is leading the NL Wild Card race after posting the fourth-best record in baseball (25-12) since June 1. One issue for this team is the lack of production it is receiving in left field (.698 OPS). With Nestor Cortes soon returning from the IL, Brandon Woodruff healthy, and rookie Jacob Misiorwski dominating, there’s some rotation flexibility. The Brewers’ front office isn’t afraid to make big deals while in contention. Perhaps this could be an instance where Freddy Peralta, who is a free agent in 2027, is moved.
Related: Why Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski made the All-Star team
New York Mets
Duran does offer plenty of experience (266 games played) in center field, so he could be a compelling option for the New York Mets. At the All-Star Break, Mets center fielders ranked 19th in OPS (.663), and this club would certainly benefit from acquiring more cost-controlled talent with the Juan Soto contract on its books. As for Boston, it could focus on top Mets prospects like Jonah Tong and Nolan McLean, right-handed starters who could reach the majors within a year.
Related: MLB trade deadline predictions, including Jarren Duran
