Jarren Duran is a homegrown player in Boston. He is one of the few things nowadays that attract the Red Sox fan base to the ballpark. He was an AL MVP, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove candidate in his breakout season in 2024. He made the All-Star team last year and was named that year's All-Star MVP. However, none of that will stop the Red Sox from possibly dealing the stud outfielder as soon as the All-Star Break.
Since 2023, Duran has recorded 34 HRs, just over 100 doubles, 24 triples, and 153 RBIs, while maintaining a .280 batting average with an OPS+ of 120. To say that he's an amazing hitter is an understatement, all the while not paying attention to his speed either. He's impeccable on the bases, with stealing 73 in these past two and a half seasons.
Last year, he led baseball in doubles and triples. This year, he currently leads the AL in triples. On some plays, he shouldn't even be on second base or third, but he has that second and third gear where he gets even faster around the bases. He hit an inside-the-park home run in his rookie year in 2021, and his round-the-bases time was at 15 seconds. Also, he's stolen home twice. Many recall him as what Jacoby Ellsbury was supposed to be.
The fun may just be over as he's heavily rumored to be traded this season. Many consider him to be a perfect candidate for teams like the San Diego Padres, and it'll more than likely happen with A.J. Preller and his reputation for making trade storms, or "PrellerPaloozas," is what they call it over there. However, a serious rebuttal can be made for that trade because the oldest Padres prospects that they have are shortstops or infielders. The Red Sox don't need that; they need pitchers, preferably making their marks in AAA or the majors right now.
But while it's sad to see him go, it could be fun to see what they could get in return for him. The Milwaukee Brewers are deaf for hitting help, and they have the #7 best farm system in the majors. They have pieces that can help them out, like with RHP Jacob Misiorowski and C Jeferson Quero, who are up-and-comers right now.
Another one is the Chicago Cubs. They have RHP Cade Horton among others trying to make a statement in the majors as well. Or a team like the Philadelphia Phillies, who have an outfield-sized hole. They could send over Max Kepler, along with a prospect like RHP Andrew Painter (#8 prospect in baseball) and a reliever.
A dark horse candidate could be the Kansas City Royals, who are desperate to win the AL Central and climb back to contention again. They have intriguing pieces like C Blake Mitchell in the wings, along with a reliever like Lucas Erceg, and another prospect. Many considerations for this trade, so let's see how things work out in a few weeks or so.