As the trade deadline approaches, there are several key storylines to watch out for with the Red Sox. Outfielder Jarren Duran has been at the center of many rumors, given the Sox' crowded outfield group and Duran's inherent value as a potential trade piece.
Although many rumors have mentioned the Dodgers, Phillies and Padres — Boston recently declined a Duran trade offer from San Diego involving Dylan Cease — a new, unlikely partner has emerged in the Pirates. With the Red Sox seeking pitching depth at the deadline and the Pirates in desperate need of any help on offense, the two seem like a natural fit, especially if Pittsburgh is willing to part ways with Mitch Keller.
"The thing that the Red Sox are looking for more than anything else is a controllable starting pitcher to pair with Crochet at the top of that rotation," MLB insider Mark Feinsand said on "The Leadoff Spot" podcast. "To me, a Jarren Duran-Mitch Keller trade makes a lot of sense for both sides."
Although he's been overshadowed by Paul Skenes, Keller has been excellent for the Pirates this season. In 125 innings, he has a 3.53 ERA and 1.160 WHIP. Most importantly, he still has three years remaining on his contract after 2025, offering the control that the Red Sox covet.
Red Sox could acquire Mitch Keller, young Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing
With his 7 punchouts today, Mitch Keller becomes the all-time strikeout leader in PNC Park history! pic.twitter.com/0270nuYxZp
— MLB (@MLB) July 2, 2025
In other news, the Red Sox have been linked to Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing, while the Dodgers have scouted Sox prospects Franklin Arias and Brandon Clarke. Rushing, who was first called up in May, struggled during his first stint in the big leagues, with a mere .578 OPS. However, he has raked in Triple A this year, slashing a mammoth .308/.424/.514. Moreover, with Will Smith having a career year and being signed through 2033, Rushing doesn't appear to have a path to big league playing time in Los Angeles.
The Dodgers should be all too happy to trade Rushing, but what the Red Sox give up is more of a mystery. It could be a prospect swap if the Dodgers are serious about Arias and Clarke, or Duran could be headed west. The Dodgers don't have a clearly defined outfield at the moment due to Michael Conforto's struggles, so Duran might make sense for them.