The Boston Red Sox are in fourth place in the American League East and could end up being sellers by the time the July 31 trade deadline approaches. They reportedly have received some trade interest for All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran.
Duran was an All-Star last year, but may be the odd man out in Boston. The team has Ceddanne Rafaela signed to a long-term extension and Wilyer Abreu under team control until 2030. Sooner or later, they are going to have to make a move to get Roman Anthony in the big leagues. Duran has the most trade value and is older than his fellow outfielders.
If Duran is available, many teams, not just contenders, could be picking up the phones to try and get him. However, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed this trade that would send him to the Detroit Tigers.
- Red Sox receive: RHP Jackson Jobe and SS Bryce Rainer (Tigers No. 3 prospect)
- Tigers receive: OF Jarren Duran
“They ought to be in World Series or bust mode after a 40-22 start to the year, and adding Duran would further super-charge an offense that has been a pleasant surprise,” wrote Rymer. “It needs Duran’s speed, as the Tigers’ 21 stolen bases are the fewest in MLB. Because the Tigers are set with Riley Greene in left field, Duran could take over in center and put a stop to a revolving door that has seen seven players start at the position. This would free Javier Báez up to be a proper super-utility man.”
The Tigers went on an improbable run to the postseason last year, going 39-26 in the second half and reaching Game 5 of the American League Division Series. They have picked up right where they left off and have the best record in baseball.
They are ahead of the New York Yankees in the American League standings, but adding Duran could really threaten the Yankees’ reign as American League champions.
Duran is hitting .273/.318/424 with four home runs and a league-leading six triples. He would add some serious speed to their team on the basepaths and deepen their lineup. If the Yankees watched the Tigers trade for Duran, it could put them in a tough spot for years to come.
Duran is under club control through 2028 and is projected to earn a six-year, $123 million deal on the open market. The Red Sox are unlikely to pay him after paying Rafaela and with Anthony ready to become a pillar of the team.
