While the Boston Red Sox's fate as buyers or sellers at the upcoming trade deadline is still to be determined, Jarren Duran's name has remained a staple in trade rumors.
The outfielder has been linked to the San Diego Padres on numerous occasions, and MLB insider Jim Bowden confirmed the connection continues in his June 2 executives poll and trade deadline predictions piece for The Athletic. Bowden also linked Duran to the Philadelphia Phillies, a newer team in the mix.
San Diego's left field depth leaves something to be desired for a team in the race for a playoff spot. Duran would be a more permanent solution than Tyler Wade, Gavin Sheets or Trenton Brooks, as he's under contract until after the 2028 season. Padres left fielders are slashing .228/.278/.342 this season, and Duran's .253/.313/.410 slash line would handily improve their offense.
The Phillies' left field depth is also underwhelming, with Max Kepler, Otto Kemp, Brandon Marsh and Kyle Schwarber among their options. Schwarber can't defend, Kemp is an infielder by trade, and Kepler's offense isn't game-changing, with a .205/.302/.369 slash line on the season.
MLB insider Jim Bowden links Red Sox's Jarren Duran to Padres, Phillies ahead of trade deadline
Duran would provide both the Phillies and Padres with a long-term solution in their outfields, and trading him elsewhere would alleviate a severe logjam for the Red Sox. Roman Anthony has reached the big leagues, and with Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Masataka Yoshida also in need of outfield spots, Duran's talents could be better used elsewhere.
Whether the Red Sox end up as buyers or sellers at the deadline, trading Duran could be on the table. Bowden noted that he was surprised to hear how many executives mentioned Duran as a potential trade candidate, but moving him makes sense to help Boston clear a path for Anthony to take an everyday job in the outfield. The No. 1 prospect in baseball as appeared as the designated hitter seven times since the Rafael Devers trade, despite the organization's previous assertions that it would like its top prospects to play their natural positions in the big leagues.
It also makes sense for the Sox to sell high on Duran while they have the chance. He posted an MVP-caliber season in 2024, with a .285/.342/.492 slash line, .834 OPS, 34 stolen bags and elite defense over 160 games.
There's no guarantee Duran will be moved in July, but the surplus of rumors around him could mean the Red Sox are seriously considering it.