Jarren Duran's name has appeared in countless trade rumors and linked to multiple potential suitors over the last few seasons. The 2025-26 offseason is still young, but there is already no shortage of smoke about a potential Duran trade.
The Boston Red Sox's outfield logjam is finally catching up to them, and many insiders and reporters think it could be time for them to move on from Duran. According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox believe the same.
"The Red Sox believe that they need an upgrade over Duran, and that he needs a fresh start. It would a huge surprise if he’s in Fort Myers, Fla., come spring training," Nightengale said in his November 10 piece on top hot stove questions.
Many reporters and fans have found it difficult to find a full-time spot for Duran in Boston's outfield of the future. Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu both won Gold Gloves for their work in the pastures in 2025 (Abreu also won in 2024). Roman Anthony will join them for a full season this coming year, and there seems to be no doubt that he'll get playing time nearly every day. Red Sox manager Alex Cora sang the rookie's praises in a recent appearance on MLB Network.
More Jarren Duran speculation, Roman Anthony praise add fuel to Red Sox outfield trade rumors
"The kid, he's a great at-bat, he's a great base runner, defensively... the kid became a monster in the outfield, he was a plus-defender," Cora said. "If you look at his season, you know who he is, you know what he's gonna do, just very happy that I'm gonna be able to manage him at least for the next two years."
Duran regressed offensively, defensively and on the base paths from his 2024 All-Star campaign, and Anthony's skillset exceeds his on offense and, seemingly, defense. Duran posted one outstanding defensive year in 2024 when he logged 10 outs above average and 23 defensive runs saved. This year, Duran posted -4 outs above average and nine defensive runs saved, while Anthony racked up six outs above average and seven defensive runs saved in just 71 games.
Regardless of his regression, Duran is still an everyday big leaguer who is worthy of everyday playing time somewhere — it could very well be in Boston if it decides to make either Rafaela or Abreu available on the trade market instead of Duran. The Padres have been interested in trading for Duran over the last few seasons, but the Tigers have also recently been named a potential suitor.
Duran has three years of control left on his contract and he accepted a lower deal for 2026 than he was likely expecting ($7.7 million instead of $8 million). It seems the Red Sox know which players will be part of their future outfield plans, and if they hope to trade Duran, they should do so soon while his value is still high.