An outfield logjam has plagued the Boston Red Sox for the last two years. A long-term injury to Roman Anthony alleviated it for most of 2026, but in an ideal world, that won't happen in 2027. To make the most of their lineup, the Sox really need to crush the roster crowding.
Moving on from an outfielder or two is one of the easiest paths to that goal, and the clear odd man out is Jarren Duran. The 30-year-old regressed hard at the plate this season and posted a .207/.266/.361 slash line with 165 strikeouts in 151 games. He managed 20 home runs, the third-most on the team, but Boston's lineup isn't long enough to risk another year of diminished production from Duran.
Duran's regression is so severe that there has been some conversation about the Red Sox potentially non-tendering him this November. Thankfully, Sean McAdam of MassLive reported on October 23 that he will "no doubt" be given a contract for the 2027 season.
It was always hard to imagine the Red Sox non-tendering Duran. The team has been overly-optimistic about his abilities for quite some time, going as far as valuing him much higher than other teams potentially interested in trading for him.
If the Red Sox refused to issue Duran a contract, they wouldn't be able to get a return for him on the trade market. His value has decreased significantly since his 2024 campaign, after which he came in eighth place in American League MVP voting, but any return is better than nothing.
Red Sox are certain to tender Jarren Duran a contract for 2027. They should trade him immediately after.
Duran is still speedy and he's a threat on the base paths with 90th percentile sprint speed. He could be useful to any team that needs to add to its running game. He also posted quality defensive metrics in 2026, a rebound from last season. Duran logged six outs above average for 90th percentile range and two defensive runs saved between left and center field.
Duran's 20 home runs are nothing to sneeze at, either. In a better offensive season (and almost anything would be better than his 2026 showing), and maybe after a change of scenery, he could be a real power threat.
Even if the Red Sox can only get prospects for Duran, they should trade him this year. Boston dealt away many of its best trade chips over the 2025-26 offseason and at the trade deadline. Its farm system could use a boost for future trades, especially since this year's free agent class isn't all that impressive. The trade market could be where the Sox find most of their new additions again, just like they traded for Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras and Caleb Durbin in 2026.
Despite his struggles, it is the right call for the Red Sox to offer Duran a contract for 2027. But trading him should be their next-highest priority to make room for a true slugger on the roster.
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