The Boston Red Sox have turned their season around just in time to justify buying ahead of the August 3 trade deadline. This year's deadline is bound to be an interesting one, as the competition in the American League is dangerously close, and teams' decisions will be influenced by the near-certain strike or lockout coming in response to the offseason's collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
But the Red Sox haven't made a significant playoff run since 2021, and with an AL this wide open, they can afford to make some drastic changes. Boston has plenty of talented prospects and experienced big leaguers to trade for an impact bat and some relief help.
Red Sox insider Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic sees Jarren Duran as the most likely big league player to be wearing a different uniform following the trade deadline (subscription required). McCaffrey cited Duran's current status as a platoon player as well as his need of a change of scenery as justifications for a trade.
Duran has been a popular trade deadline candidate for a few seasons running, with the San Diego Padres being the most interested club. The Padres in 2025 even went as far as offering Boston Dylan Cease and top prospects Ethan Salas and Leo De Vries for Duran, but it turned down the offer that now looks extremely favorable.
Red Sox reporter Jen McCaffrey sees Jarren Duran as most likely big league trade piece before August 3 deadline
The outfielder is in the throes of the worst offensive season of his career to the tune of a .193/.254/.343 slash line, 10 doubles, three triples and 13 home runs over 95 games. Duran has found different ways to contribute than his usual speedy antics on the base paths — his 52 RBI (as of July 25) rank second on the team behind Willson Contreras and his defense has been rock solid in left field (seven defensive runs saved, seven outs above average).
Duran this season has showed that he can still make an impact at the plate. In May, he slashed .261/.331/.548 with nine home runs and 22 RBI. Duran hasn't lived up to that production since, but a change of scenery could bring it out of him — Boston is a high pressure playing environment that could be keeping him from his best work.
The Los Angeles Angels could be a good suitor for Duran. The Red Sox have recently been linked to shortstop Zach Neto and Duran could be part of a larger package to bring him to Boston. Duran would be immediate big league help to a long-rebuilding franchise and a shock of energy to their outfield where Josh Lowe is struggling.
The Red Sox can safely admit that they should've traded Duran years ago when they could've gotten a premium return for him. They still have an outfield logjam that needs to be addressed, though Roman Anthony's long-term injury has kept it from being too problematic. But if McCaffrey's assessment reflects Boston's plans, this may finally be the year it moves on from Duran.
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