The New York Mets could be after a new center fielder at the trade deadline, and Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox is a highly intriguing target.
First, there's the matter of whether the Red Sox will trade Duran. That might not be the most likely scenario, but if Boston's trade of superstar Rafael Devers proved anything, it's that no one on that roster is safe.
Duran was an All-Star in 2024, posting a remarkable 8.7 bWAR. But virtually halfway through the 2025 season, he's only at 1.4 bWAR, and is currently mired in a two-week slump.
Still, the Red Sox would command a hefty package, as Duran is under team control through the 2028 season. Would the Mets be willing to step up and meet the cost?
On Thursday, Metsmerized's Eitan Hain projected that the Mets would have to trade right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat and outfielder Carson Benge, both consensus Top 100 prospects in baseball right now, to land Duran.
"It remains unlikely Duran gets traded given the fact he’s productive, affordable, and under team control and Boston wants to compete," Hain wrote.
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"However, should Duran become available, any contending team with an outfield need should be ready to pounce. Duran’s speed, quality of contact, and peak potential make him a worthy gamble, and his floor is solid enough to justify a multi-prospect package."
One other thing to monitor: Duran played excellent defense in both left and center field in 2024, but this season, he's got four errors and only one defensive run saved. He may be more comfortable in center, where Ceddanne Rafaela blocks him from getting reps in Boston.
Duran is a special player when he's on his game. Do the Mets want to roll the dice on him becoming that player on a consistent basis in Queens?
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