The Boston Red Sox called up Roman Anthony, the top prospect in baseball, on Monday. The long-awaited move opens the door for the team to trade Jarren Duran.
The San Diego Padres are showing interest in Duran, according to The Athletic. However, MLB insider Jim Bowden noted that Anthony’s call-up creates a real possibility.
“The Padres have been trying to mix and match in left field since Jurickson Profar departed in free agency to the Braves,” wrote Bowden. “They would like to find a longer-term solution. Enter Duran, who last season led the AL in doubles and triples while hitting 21 homers and stealing 34 bases. He got off to a slow start this year but is batting .271 with 18 doubles, seven triples, four homers and 13 steals. The Padres are again targeting Duran, league sources told The Athletic’s Dennis Lin, which makes sense considering the Red Sox have his replacement, Roman Anthony, the best prospect in baseball, ready to step in.”
Duran could be the odd man out in Boston’s outfield. Wilyer Abreu is younger and has more club control than Duran. He won a Gold Glove as a rookie and was playing well before his injury this year. Ceddanne Rafaela is signed to an extension already. Anthony is the highest-rated prospect in baseball and figures to take over as an everyday player soon.
Duran has great trade value after being named an All-Star last season. The Red Sox would have to fall out of contention to consider trading him, but it may become necessary to ensure Anthony has a regular spot in the lineup.
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Duran is under club control through 2028 and could yield the Red Sox some talented prospects. He would play a key role for the Padres in their quest for a World Series by stabilizing their outfield.
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