Blockbuster Red Sox, Marlins, Padres trade would swap Jarren Duran for $63M pitcher

The Boston Red Sox have clear needs to address at the trade deadline, one of them being the lack of consistency in the starting rotation. They could use Jarren Duran to fill that need.

Duran was an All-Star last season, but his numbers have declined this year, and he is now expendable thanks to Raman Anthony's call-up. Between Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, Duran has the most reason to be traded. Anthony is not going anywhere; Rafaela has already signed an extension, and Abreu is younger and has more control than Duran.

The Red Sox are not going to trade Duran, who is under club control through 2028, for a rental pitcher. Also, if they trade Duran to a seller, they are not going to want to include top prospects along with him. If they trade Duran to a buyer, they may not be able to get the big league talent they need to get better right now. The Athletic's Jim Bowden proposed this three-team deal between the Red Sox, Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres that would help all parties:

• Red Sox receive: RHP Edward Cabrera
• Padres receive: OF Jarren Duran
• Marlins receive: C Ethan Salas (Padres No. 2 prospect) and RHP Luis Perales (Red Sox No. 9 prospect)

"The Red Sox need another solid starter to put alongside Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito in the top part of their rotation," wrote Bowden. "Enter Cabrera, who would give them a legitimate shot to win the division or maintain a wild-card spot while improving their chances of winning a playoff series. He’s logged a 3.48 ERA over 17 starts with 92 strikeouts in 88 innings. The Sox would need to be satisfied with Cabrera’s medical reports, for the short and long term, as the 27-year-old recently underwent an MRI on his right elbow and has dealt with various injuries in recent years. Cabrera is under team control through the 2028 season."

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Cabrera is projected to earn a five-year, $63 million deal when he hits free agency. If the Marlins already know they are not going to sign him, they would be wise to cash in while he is healthy. They have no use for Duran, but the Padres have a clear need in the outfield. The Red Sox would love to get Salas in a straight deal, but the Padres do not line up with the Red Sox's pitching needs.