The Boston Red Sox have a known surplus of outfielders headed into the 2026 season. The rumor mill was swirling back in July, surrounding All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran.
MLB's hot stove season is rapidly approaching, but MLB insiders already believe that Jarren Duran will be moved this winter. It was well-known that the San Diego Padres had a strong interest in Duran, but both sides could not come to an agreement.
Padres are strongly linked to Jarren Duran
In a recent trade predictions piece by The Athletic's Jim Bowden, Jarren Duran is an "MLB star likely to be traded" this offseason, and the San Diego Padres should be considered a top suitor.
Padres' executive AJ Preller is known for making big splashes in the trade market, and this would be no different. A deal like this would likely cost the Padres whatever prospect capital they still have after making several moves this past trade deadline.
However, Preller believes this is a World Series window for San Diego, and trading for Jarren Duran would signify that.
Duran has been an above-average hitter each of the last three seasons, and posted an OPS+ of 132 in 2024 when he was named to the All-Star team.
In 2025, he hit 16 home runs, 13 triples, and 41 doubles. After all of these rumors, a trade might actually be the best thing for Duran.
The Padres may also be more inclined to give away top prospects for Duran, considering he is controllable through the 2028 season. Duran is 29, but may have some of his best baseball ahead of him. As long as he doesn't lose his speed, he's a threat for a triple anytime he hits a ball in the gap.
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