The Philadelphia Phillies could be looking for outfielders around the league when the July 31 trade deadline approaches. They could land one from the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox have reportedly received trade interest from the San Diego Padres on Jarren Duran. However, FanSided’s Cody Williams tabbed the Phillies as a better trade partner for the Red Sox. The Red Sox are not destined to be sellers just yet.
“Subsequently, trading Duran doesn’t necessarily have to be waving the white flag, which is where the Phillies could come into the equation,” wrote Williams. “Given the value of Duran and his contract plus Philadelphia’s need to upgrade, the Red Sox could call and ask for a package that would help both parties. It wouldn’t be outlandish for Boston to ask for one of the Phillies’ top two pitching prospects, either Andrew Painter or Mick Abel, supplemented with other pieces.
“If Philly is at all interested, it would give the Red Sox a young arm ready to help an inconsistent rotation immediately with either Painter or Abel while also offering Boston ancillary pieces, either for the future or ready to contribute in the majors.”
The Phillies would not entertain trading Painter or Abel unless they were confident they were getting a player who could help them in the long run. Duran will be a free agent in 2029 and Spotrac projects him to earn a six-year, $123 million deal. The Phillies would have to feel confident in their ability to sign him if they are going to give up an elite pitching prospect.
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Duran is hitting .274 with a .747 OPS. He has four home runs, a league-leading six triples and 13 stolen bases. He would be a massive upgrade over one of Max Kepler, Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh in the outfield. He was an All-Star last season, but he may need to get moved if the Red Sox want to find room for Roman Anthony in the big leagues.
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