While it is unlikely the Boston Red Sox trade one-time All-Star Jarren Duran before next week’s MLB trade deadline, a prominent insider has offered up an intriguing idea that may appeal to the Sox.
Boston is in the thick of the American League Wild Card race. And if the season ended today, they would reach the playoffs for the first time since 2021. That is why they are expected to be buyers before the July 31st trade deadline instead of sellers. However, Jarren Duran trade rumors continue to persist.
In a new column from The Athletic MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, looking at whether the Kansas City Royals will be buyers or sellers before the deadline, Duran’s name came up in an interesting trade proposal that would benefit both the Red Sox and Royals.
“A losing streak and/or injury prior to the deadline obviously would alter the Royals’ thinking. And even if they stay in the race, trading [Seth] Lugo would be tempting if it brought a strong enough return,” Rosenthal wrote.
“The athleticism of Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran makes him attractive to the Royals. As does his three additional years of club control. The Red Sox would not trade Duran for a pitcher who likely would amount to a rental,” he added. “But the Royals could sweeten the deal with prospects, and teams are targeting their young catching, in particular.”
- Jarren Duran stats: .257 .323 .433 .756 9 51 54 16
Could the Boston Red Sox land one of the top two prospects in Kansas City Royals system?
Adding another starter has been a rumored goal for Boston before the deadline. Lugo is expected to opt out of the year left on his contract this offseason because he is having just as good a season this year as he did when he earned All-Star honors in 2024. So while he would be a rental, he can still make a huge impact down the stretch.
Furthermore, landing a catcher with future star potential is a goal for every franchise. Kansas City has an impressive three backstops ranked among the top 10 players in their system on MLB.com. Blake Mitchell and Carter Jensen are No. 1 and 2 overall. However, outside of Jensen, the other two are a couple of years away — at least — from reaching the big leagues.
- Jarren Duran contract: One year, $8 million in 2026
While the Red Sox are having a big bounceback season in 2025, they are not going to win a World Series. A deal that benefits them in the short and long term is something they should seriously consider.
