The Houston Astros are off to a slow start in the 2026 season, and shortstop Carlos Correa recently suffered a significant injury. Things look bleak right now for a team that entered the year with World Series aspirations.
If the Astros continue to struggle, difficult decisions could eventually have to be made regarding Yordan Alvarez. At this point, a trade cannot be ruled out.
“But if the season continues to go sideways, he would instantly become one of the most valuable players on the trade market,” Astros Round Table’s Sydney Cruse wrote.
The Boston Red Sox are also off to a slow start and have already fired their manager. One of their top outfielders, Jarren Duran, could potentially end up on the trade block.
“Duran has been no stranger to trade rumors over the last few years. This isn’t to say the Red Sox should trade him. Boston has five outfielders in Duran, Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Masataka Yoshida. Something has to be done to maximize the roster because of the fact that you can’t consistently play all of these guys,” SI’s Patrick McAvoy wrote.
FanSided’s Cody Williams believes the Red Sox and Astros could potentially swap the two stars in a blockbuster trade package.
“Put simply, there’s no world in which Alvarez comes cheap, to the Red Sox or otherwise. At just 28 years old with 2.5 years remaining on a contract that pays him $26.8 million per season, that’s a steal, even for a DH-only. Again, it’s hard to overstate how dominant of a hitter that Alvarez has been for Houston, even amid the team’s recent downturn, when healthy. For Boston, I think the deal absolutely has to start with Jarren Duran, who has 2.5 years of control himself remaining, and one of their top prospects. Franklin Arias, a Top 25 prospect in the sport according to MLB Pipeline and in the midst of an absolute tear at Double-A Portland this year, also makes sense. I threw Marcus Phillips, the team’s second-round pick in the 2025 draft, in the mix as well,” Williams wrote.
A change of scenery could benefit both stars, as Alvarez would have an opportunity to make a major impact in a new organization. Meanwhile, Duran’s time in Boston has been filled with ups and downs recently.
The Red Sox would likely need to include prospects in any potential package because Alvarez would be one of the most sought-after players on the market. This is the type of blockbuster trade that could make sense for both sides and potentially change the direction of each franchise.
