After five seasons, Jarren Duran’s time with the Boston Red Sox could come to an end this offseason. This week’s one-year, $7.7 million extension is a good sign that he could be on the move sooner rather than later, as the Red Sox neglected to show any long-term interest in his services.
What makes Duran's extension more important is that the MLB Winter Meetings, when all 30 teams will be in Orlando, start in a month. It will be the first real opportunity for the Red Sox to discuss potential trades with other teams.
The most talked-about player at this year’s Winter Meetings will likely be reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers’ ace. After going 18-4 with a 2.39 ERA during the 2024 season, Skubal’s second act this season was arguably even better. During the 2025 season, Skubal showed why he is one of the league’s best pitchers with a 13-6 record and an even lower 2.21 ERA. Skubal’s dominance continues when the lights shine brighter in October with a career 2.04 ERA across six postseason starts.
Why would the Tigers part ways with the American League’s best pitcher? According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Tigers would entertain a bidding war for Skubal, who is under contract through the 2026 season before hitting free agency.
Red Sox Must Dangle Jarren Duran in Potential Tarik Skubal Trade
In an expected bidding war, the Red Sox have a plethora of young players and prospects that could be available for trade. One of the team’s best assets is the aforementioned Duran, who is two years removed (2023) from his first All-Star season, which resulted in an 8.7 WAR, leading the league in doubles and triples while ranking second in defensive runs saved.
The Red Sox already have one Cy Young Award candidate in Garrett Crochet, and the chance to have Skubal join Crochet atop the team’s rotation would give Boston the best 1-2 punch in all of Major League Baseball. If that means giving up Duran to turn that dream into reality, so be it.
While the Tigers will want more for Skubal than just Duran, he could headline a package alongside young MLB players and premier prospects such as Marcelo Mayer and Payton Tolle. And with him locked into a contract through at least next season, the Tigers would have the flexibility to sign Duran to a long-term extension.
For the Red Sox, the time to win is now. With the perfect mix of young players and premier prospects waiting for their call-ups to the big leagues, they have the chance to make a blockbuster trade for the best pitcher in the league. If the Red Sox truly want to capitalize on their championship window, turning Duran’s extension into the catalyst for a Skubal deal could be the bold move that defines the franchise’s next era.