The Boston Red Sox have long been one of the most confusing teams in this year's American League. Their pitching and defense have largely been phenomenal, but the offense, which began the season with high expectations, had been an utter disappointment.
But in the last few weeks, there have been some hints of change in Boston. The offense is beginning to wake up and the pitching has maintained consistency to the point of approaching quality start records. In a weak AL, the Red Sox have an outside shot at making the playoffs, if Craig Breslow makes the right moves ahead of the August 3 trade deadline (subscription required).
That's easier said than done for Breslow, who's struggled with his two previous trade deadlines at the helm of the Red Sox organization. He also saw the Red Sox bumble through the first two months of the season, constantly getting in their own way and blowing too many scoring chances to count.
The Red Sox remain in trade deadline limbo — they're one solid run away from entering the Wild Card picture, but a few rough series from this being a lost year. Breslow has some tough calls to make, and these players aren't making them easier.
2 Red Sox making Craig Breslow's 2026 trade deadline decisions more difficult by the day
Caleb Durbin
To say Caleb Durbin has been on a tear for the last few weeks doesn't even begin to cover the sweeping changes the third baseman has made to his offense. Durbin batted .163/.241/.238 through May 24, but after working with an outside hitting coach, he's vastly improved at the plate.
Durbin's season slash line is still just .231/.286/.393 through 76 games, but he's batting .325/.360/.614 in June. He's been Boston's hottest hitter for weeks and he's helped the Red Sox inch closer to contending status, although they still have a long way to go.
Jarren Duran
Jarren Duran has struggled severely this season and he's posting the worst year of his big league career so far. The outfielder is slashing just .197/.253/.356 with 101 strikeouts through 77 games and there has been no sign of the tides turning any time soon.
There have been rumors that Duran is still a coveted candidate on the trade market, but the Red Sox are long past the point of selling high on him. Not only has Duran struggled offensively, he lacks leadership qualities that a player of his veteran status should have — he's sent media over to much younger players in tough situations, like after Alex Cora's firing, and he has frequent verbal altercations with fans (subscription required). Granted, no one should have to take abuse from fans that could hurt their mental state, but other players seem to have far less trouble brushing said comments off.
Duran also hasn't helped the Red Sox establish themselves as a contender, part of the reason they're still figuring out their trade deadline position. After missing out on adding a power bat over the offseason, Boston planned to rely on its homegrown players to step up or at least maintain their level of production from years prior. While Duran's defense has been largely excellent this year, his offense has been anything but.
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