
The Boston Red Sox have a surplus of starting-caliber outfielders and a need in the starting rotation. They could think about trading one of their outfielders for pitching help.
The Red Sox have Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu. However, of the four, only two are realistic trade chips. Anthony is not going anywhere and Rafaela has already signed an extension. Between Abreu and Duran, Abreu is younger and has more club control.
Duran’s name has been floated in trade rumors all year, and while he has declined from last season, he would still be an upgrade for many teams looking for outfielders. Duran was an All-Star last year and has multiple years of club control. Trading him could help the Red Sox land a starting pitcher to help their rotation, or even fill a need at a different position.
Duran has reportedly drawn interest on the trade market, but Sports Illustrated’s Will Laws and Nick Selbe predicted the Red Sox would hold on to him at the deadline.
“Duran ranked fourth in the AL in WAR last season—directly above Juan Soto and José Ramirez—while leading the majors in doubles and triples,” wrote Sports Illustrated. “The 28-year-old has fallen off quite a bit this season, but he’s under team control through 2028 and still profiles as an above-average leadoff hitter for the next several years. The Red Sox would have to be blown away by an offer to consider trading another building block so soon after the Rafael Devers deal, especially after their recent surge that has them right in the thick of the playoff race, though they do possess a surplus of outfielders and Duran has been the name most frequently popping up in rumors.”
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Holding on to Duran does not really help the Red Sox right now, and if they don’t trade him now, they likely will in the offseason. His trade value will decrease by then, as he’s not getting younger, and teams will be able to gauge free agency for outfielders as well.
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