The Boston Red Sox's June 16 loss to the division rival Toronto Blue Jays exposed their offense in a way it hasn't been in a few weeks: Boston struck out 12 times, scored just one run on eight hits, went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left 13 men on base. The series-opening loss dropped the Sox to 12-23 at Fenway Park this season.
Unless something drastic changes to bring Boston's offense to life, buying at the trade deadline is out of the question. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is seemingly determined to salvage the season but ownership may not let that happen if the slide continues.
The Red Sox have plenty of players who would be valuable on the trade market. They have a few top rental candidates like Sonny Gray and Aroldis Chapman and some long-term options like Jarren Duran. Duran has long been a coveted deadline trade target for a few teams, most often the San Diego Padres, but MLB insider Jim Bowden believes another team would be an equally good fit (subscription required).
After firing their manager, the Philadelphia Phillies have turned their ugly start to the season around to reach second place in the National League East and take firm hold of a Wild Card spot (yes, Red Sox fans are insanely jealous).
MLB insider Jim Bowden names Phillies as top trade destination for Red Sox's Jarren Duran
Duran could be a good addition to the Phillies' outfield mix, which is severely underwhelming at the moment. Left fielder Brandon Marsh is having the season of his life at the plate, but Adolis Garcia just hit the 60-day injured list while Justin Crawford (.238/.294/.332) and Derek Hill (.213/.278/.360) are struggling with consistency at the plate.
Duran is having a similar season to Crawford and Hill, with a .214/.270/.398 slash line, 85 strikeouts and 18 walks over 65 games. He's recently developed into a home run threat with 12 on the season, 11 of which have come since May 1.
Despite his troubles at the plate, Duran could be a good change of scenery candidate. The Red Sox's front office and clubhouse have been tumultuous and dramatic since Duran's promotion to the big leagues (and long before) and the pressure of being a leader as one of the veterans in the room could be weighing on him. In Philly, with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber in that clubhouse, he wouldn't be under the same scrutiny.
Unfortunately for the Red Sox, the best time to trade Duran was after the 2024 season and his value has only decreased as his offensive inconsistency comes to light and another year ticked off his contract. But if Boston wants to clear its outfield logjam, fix its terrible roster construction and get the best possible value for Duran, it should trade him sooner rather than later.
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