The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the most interesting teams to pay attention to this winter. With Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto in free agency, and needs at multiple key spots, the Phillies could wind up having a busy winter.
But one area to keep a close eye on is the trade market. Nick Castellanos could be dealt, but Alec Bohm's future in Philadelphia is, for the second year in a row, up in the air.
For ESPN insider Eric Karabell, a great fit for Bohm would be with the Boston Red Sox. Coming back to the Phillies would be one of the Red Sox's outfielders, and specifically, one who's a year removed from an 8.7 bWAR season.
Phillies linked to Red Sox for Alec Bohm, Jarren Duran swap
"The Red Sox should trade Jarren Duran to the Philadelphia Phillies for a package including Alec Bohm." Karabell writes. "The Phillies could then get a more consistent third baseman who enjoys playing in Philadelphia. Duran would fill Philadelphia's center field need, and it would create some opportunity in a crowded Boston outfield."
If the Phillies could land Jarren Duran to be their new center fielder, it would be an incredible pickup. While Karabell notes Bohm won't be enough to make this trade work, the Phillies likely wouldn't have to add one of their top three prospects to do this deal.
Duran would be a massive improvement in the outfield, and while he's a left-handed hitting outfielder, like Justin Crawford and Brandon Marsh, he's more than worth the cost.
In 2025, Duran hit.256 with a.774 OPS across 157 games played. In 2024, Duran had an incredible 8.7 bWAR and an MLB-leading 48 doubles and 14 triples. He also had 13 triples in 2025, the most in the AL.
More: Phillies linked to perfect Brandon Marsh complement in former Red Sox, Yankees outfielder
A career.780 OPS hitting outfielder, Duran would be an offensive improvement over the Phillies' current options, and could also provide a spark defensively as well.
Entering the 2026 MLB season, Duran will be 29 years old. Duran is under club control through 2028, meaning the Phillies would be able to use Bohm to land a long-term center field option.
What this could also do is open the way for Marsh to be a trade candidate. That, in turn, could be a huge boon for the Phillies as they look to shift around their roster for the 2026 season.
If the Phillies could trade Bohm and a prospect or two for Duran, Dave Dombrowski should jump all over this opportunity. Boston has been rumored to be fielding offers for Duran, just as the Phillies have for Bohm. A swap makes sense for both clubs and would be an especially great move for the Phillies.
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