The Boston Red Sox extended phenom outfielder Roman Anthony to an eight-year deal worth $130 million on Wednesday.
Red Sox fans have been waiting for Anthony since he was drafted, and his future at Fenway Park is now secured. As a result, Lior Lampert from FanSided believes the team will cut ties with Jarren Duran in the offseason.
“The writing has been on the wall for Duran,” wrote Lampert. “Red Sox fans have watched him develop from a hindrance to an All-Star since 2021. He’s become a legitimate five-tool player who can man all three outfield positions while emerging as a respected clubhouse leader. Be that as it may, Anthony’s payday effectively marks the end for him in Beantown.”
Durran was the subject of many trade rumors at the deadline as the San Diego Padres were pursuing him. Now, Anthony’s extension makes it seem even more likely he will be playing for a new team next year.
The 28-year-old outfielder has a club option worth $8 million next season. Boston could get out of it by trading him or buying him out for $100,000.
“Duran is the only one of Boston’s outfield quartet (him, Anthony, [Ceddanne] Rafaela and [Wilyer] Abreu) who isn’t locked up through at least 2030,” wrote Lampert. “He’s under team control for three more campaigns, though, and is firmly in the prime of his career (turns 29 on Sep. 5). With that in mind, the Red Sox have a golden sell-high opportunity that would be foolish not to cash in on.”
If the Red Sox do try to trade Duran in the offseason, expect several teams to be interested in acquiring him to bolster their outfield.