Jarren Duran's trade value is so far fast peak that Red Sox should consider unpopular alternative

Jarren Duran has had his name in constant trade buzz for multiple years at this point. With Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu having solidified themselves as younger, better players than Duran over the past couple of seasons, and with the priority that Roman Anthony holds within the organization, Duran has been seen as the odd man out for some time.

The Boston Red Sox's never-ending outfield logjam will be solved by (someday!) trading Duran, we've all assumed. And that may still come to pass this offseason. But here's an alternative thought — maybe it's no longer a good idea to trade Duran at all.

Duran's trade value has steadily declined over the past two seasons. Well, it sort of nose-dived in 2026. Simply put, he's no longer the player that finished eighth in American League MVP voting in 2024 with a .342 on-base percentage and MLB-leading 48 doubles. Not even close.

Duran hit .207 this past season. On the bright side, he's still got athleticism that makes him an asset on the base paths (21 steals in 2026) and on defense. Duran's markedly improved as a defensive outfielder through the years, and that was never more apparent than this past season. He also hit 20 homers.

The Red Sox have two reasons to hold onto Jarren Duran this offseason

Even so, a return "package" for Duran wouldn't be worthwhile, considering how lowball-ish it would probably be, and considering that the Red Sox ... actually need Duran at this point. That leads us to the second reason the Red Sox should hold onto Duran. Yes, despite Boston's logjam, this organization simply cannot fully trust that their wonder kid Roman Anthony will stay healthy for a full season in 2027 (because he never has).

Duran, with his good defense, clubhouse energy and sporadic power, represents much-needed insurance for the Sox against another Anthony injury. Sadly, we don't even know if Anthony's hand injury from last season is going to be fully healed moving forward. If Anthony misses significant time again, an outfield of Duran-Rafaela-Abreu is still a winning one overall, like it or not.

All in all, the window to move Duran for a meaningful return has passed. Once seen as a late-twenties budding superstar, Duran is now north of 30 with no evidence to support that he can consistently get on base in the big leagues. What Duran is is an excellent fit with the Red Sox from a personality standpoint. Despite his occasional outbursts, the players in Boston's clubhouse support Duran, and many Boston fans have a soft spot for him. He's got the let-your-hair-down vibe that harkens back to the "cowboy up" era.

But vibes alone aren't why the Red Sox should hold onto Duran. Logistics are, as noted above. And who knows, maybe he'll also wake up at the plate in 2027. Might as well do it at Fenway Park.

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