The Boston Red Sox can no longer afford to straddle the line with their outfield configuration. As the club enters the 2025-2026 offseason, it is facing major roster decisions. One dilemma rises above the rest, and it's that outfield logjam.
They need to choose between Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu. Jeff Passan of ESPN made it simple; it's either one or the other. Both are extremely talented, both have legitimate long-term upside, and both bring value in very different ways.
However, Boston cannot continue carrying both without sacrificing roster clarity and trade leverage.
Examining the Red Sox's Duran/Abreu Debacle
For two seasons, the Red Sox have attempted to balance Duran's electrifying athleticism with Abreu's power-on-contact and arm strength. It worked temporarily when the club had innings to distribute and roles to test. But with Roman Anthony looking like their next franchise cornerstone, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting this year, the front office is openly exploring upgrades to the rotation and run-production. The outfield is too crowded. Something has to give.
Duran represents the higher ceiling in terms of impact skillset. His game-changing speed and ability to ignite the offense from the top of the lineup remain unmatched on the roster. He's shown improvement on defense as well, but his big-time error against the Yankees in Game 2 of the playoffs looms large and raises questions about his long-term stability with his glove.
He's even shown stretches where he can carry the team with chaos on the bases and energy in the field. But that streaky bat and inconsistent defense leave Boston questioning whether he can be the player from his breakout 2024 season.
Abreu, on the other hand, is a steadier option. His at-bat quality and left-handed power project cleanly into a middle-order role for years. Teams around baseball have taken notice, too. Several front offices view him as the type of controllable slugging outfielder who could headline a rotation-bolstering trade. Boston knows that moving him would hurt, but keeping him without a defined starting role makes little long-term sense.
This is why delaying the decision is no longer an option. The Red Sox can no longer maximize value if they're still holding five outfielders when Spring Training arrives in February. They need to draw a clear line.
Which Player Should Be on the Move?
Jarren Duran is the answer to this question, and here's why.
At this point, the Red Sox should pull the trigger because his value is still high and they can't afford to carry an outfielder simply for flair when their more pressing need is rotation help. While his elite speed and on-base scrappiness are admirable, his defensive production slipped in 2025, and his offensive consistency was uneven. Meanwhile, teams in need of an athletic outfielder with three years remaining of team control view him as a valuable piece.
Boston could convert that into high-upside starting pitching, the one thing that could genuinely propel them back into World Series contention. By trading Duran now, they maximize his return rather than waiting for it to erode further.