The Boston Red Sox have a clear need at the trade deadline, and could use Jarren Duran as trade bait to fill it. Duran's name has been floating around in trade rumors all year.
While Duran was an All-Star last season, his numbers have declined this year. Still, he would be an upgrade for most teams searching for outfield help over the next week and a half. With Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu also in Boston, Duran is the likely trade candidate.
The Red Sox need starting pitchers and the Philadelphia Phillies need an outfielder. FanSided's Jake Elman proposed this trade that would send Duran to The City of Brotherly Love:
- Red Sox receive: Pitcher Mick Abel, right fielder/designated hitter Gabriel Rincones Jr. and first baseman Keaton Anthony
- Phillies receive: Jarren Duran
If Duran is dealt, it will have to be a trade that helps both teams currently. Duran has multiple years of club control, and the Red Sox are in the postseason hunt. They are not going to trade him unless they get a player that can help them now and has club control. That's where Abel comes in.
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"Abel entered the season as a consensus top-5 prospect in the Phillies’ farm system, though he posted a 5.04 ERA across his first 25 big-league innings," wrote Elman. "The 2020 No. 15 pick turns 24 in August and could theoretically immediately join the Red Sox’s rotation."
Abel pitched great in his early starts, but then hit a rough patch. There is not a spot for him in the Phillies rotation, and with Andrew Painter looming, the Phillies could be open to moving Abel. Rincones is the Phillies' No.11 prospect, and would be a solid prospect for the Red Sox to develop. Meanwhile, Duran would instantly lead all Phillies outfielders in OPS and play a huge role in their postseason chase.
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