The Boston Red Sox are 32-36 this year. They are nine games back of the division lead and 4 1/2 games out of a Wild Card spot. If they do become sellers, one of their All-Stars could be on the move.
The Red Sox finally called up Roman Anthony and placed Willyer Abreu on the injured list. However, if Anthony cannot save their season, they could start planning for the future. The Red Sox now have four young outfielders. Anthony, Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela and Jarren Duran. Duran is the oldest and has the least club control, potentially making the 2024 All-Star Game MVP the odd man out.
Abreu is under club control through 2029 and has proven he can be an everyday player for the team when healthy. He also won a Gold Glove last season. Rafaela is signed to an eight-year, $50 million extension. Anthony is the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball and figures to be a key part of the Red Sox’s future. All of that, paired with Duran’s high trade value, makes him a likely player to be dealt if the Red Sox fall out of contention before the trade deadline.
If Duran is made available, many teams will want to try to add him. He is slashing .271/.324/.421. His speed is a real game-changer. He led the league in triples last season and is currently leading the league as well. He has 13 stolen bases to go with his four home runs. BALLCAP Sports’ Jim Riley tabbed the Houston Astros as a fit for Duran.
“The Astros need a lefty bat that can have an impact, not named Yordan Alvarez, and Yordan’s got to get back,” said Riley. “Altuve has been moved back to second base, and that’s where he needs to stay. You do not want José Altuve fumbling and bumbling around in left field in October. Go get a guy that can do it, and that is Duran. They have the pieces. They have the ability to put a package together to get Jarren Duran. This feels like the move. Just upgrade that outfield, upgrade left field and upgrade your lineup.”
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Duran is projected to earn a six-year, $123 million deal in free agency. The Red Sox may not be willing to pay him, knowing they have Anthony, Abreu and Rafaela in the outfield. The Astros could solve their problems in left field using Duran and, once again, compete for a World Series. In return, the Red Sox could get some pitching from the Astros’ farm system.
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