For many Red Sox fans, this idea may be a tough pill to swallow. However, it has seemingly become one of the more viable options for Boston ahead of the upcoming trade deadline.
Jarren Duran has become someone many fans view as the face of the franchise — especially following the recent Rafael Devers trade. Even with that label, the chances of him remaining with the team come July appear to be growing slimmer by the day.
After Dennis Lin of The Athletic reported that the San Diego Padres are interested in Duran, it sparked chaos across the streets — and social media — of New England.
As time has passed, it’s become more realistic that Duran could be the biggest name moved by the Red Sox in the post-Devers era.
What the Next Chapter Could Bring for the Red Sox
Boston already has a young Gold Glove outfielder in Wilyer Abreu, a Platinum Glove-caliber defender in Ceddanne Rafaela, and the No. 1 prospect in baseball — also an outfielder — in Roman Anthony. The designated hitter spot may open more frequently now that Devers is gone, but the Red Sox are hopeful that Masataka Yoshida could soon return to fill that void.
Duran, now in his age-29 season, has no contract extension in place. He does, however, carry a club option for the 2026 season, giving any potential acquiring team an extra year of control.
Could the Padres be a landing spot? Possibly. But there have also been murmurs about the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets.
Trade Candidates
The Mets might be the most intriguing option for a Red Sox team focused on getting younger. According to one mock trade scenario circulating online, the Mets could be willing to part with their No. 2 and No. 3 prospects: right-hander Brandon Sproat and outfielder Carson Benge.
Benge would likely be flipped again if acquired, as Boston already has a crowded farm system full of outfield talent. The real prize would be Sproat, currently pitching for Triple-A Syracuse.
The Overall Vision
This is all speculation, and nothing is confirmed. But if the Red Sox do move on from someone, Duran appears to be the most obvious candidate.
Trading Duran could trigger another uproar among Red Sox fans, but if chief baseball officer Craig Breslow can secure a return package that fits the organization’s long-term vision, it would likely come in exchange for the 2024 All-Star MVP.
Is it an idea that will be popular? Of course not. But is it something that makes the most logistical sense? I’ll leave that for the readers to decide.