The Boston Red Sox may not end up being sellers by the time the trade deadline rolls around, but that may not change the fact that Jarren Duran could be traded.
Duran has been the talk of many trade rumors recently. The Red Sox have not been able to find space for Roman Anthony in the big leagues and will need to make some kind of move in their outfield soon. Unlike Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, Duran has not signed a long-term extension, nor is he under club control past 2028.
Duran was an All-Star last year and is under club control through 2028. He has good trade value and Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer proposed this trade that would send him to the Cleveland Guardians:
- Red Sox receive: RHP Cade Smith, OF Jaison Chourio (Guardians No. 3), 1B Ralphy Velazquez (Guardians No. 6)
- Guardians receive: OF Jarren Duran
"The center field and right field spots, specifically, have been a persistent and heavy anchor on the lineup's overall production," wrote Rymer. "This is especially true in 2025, wherein the Guardians rank last in OPS from center field (.495) and second-to-last in OPS from right field (.513). Duran would fit into the center field hole, and he could otherwise form a dynamite table-setting duo with Steven Kwan at the top of the lineup. Suffice it to say José Ramírez would love hitting behind them."
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Meanwhile, the Red Sox would open a spot for Anthony, add two young prospects and one of the best relievers in baseball. Smith has a 2.73 ERA in 28 games this year. Last season, he had a 1.91 ERA in 78 games. Smith leads all relievers in WAR since the start of last season.
Duran is slashing .273/.318/.424 this year. He has 13 stolen bases and leads baseball in triples. He led the big leagues in triples last season as well. He plays solid defense and could help the Guardians overcome the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers in October.
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