Boston Red Sox
“Teams such as the Phillies, Dodgers, Tigers, Guardians and Rangers would love to land him.”
Something’s got to give with the Red Sox’ logjam in the outfield this offseason.
With the arrival of rookie phenom Roman Anthony this past summer, the Red Sox will have to clear a spot in the outfield — a segment of the roster that is already occupied by Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu.
And according to former MLB GM and current The Athletic staff writer Jim Bowden, the writing is on the wall that Duran could be on his way out of Boston at some point this winter.
In a post published Thursday that places a spotlight on 10 MLB players who are “most likely to be traded this offseason,” Bowden listed Duran as Boston’s most-likely trade chip.
“I’m not sure I understand why the Red Sox keep listening to offers for Duran, outside of the fact they envision their future outfield as Wilyer Abreu in right field, Ceddanne Rafaela in center field and Roman Anthony in left,” Bowden wrote. “Why not keep Duran for DH? Or, better yet, why not let all four outfielders rotate between the outfield and DH?
“Regardless, Duran’s name keeps coming up in trade rumors and it immediately sounds like the Red Sox will move on from him this winter.”
While Duran raised his worth in 2024 as a dynamic leadoff hitter and All-Star Game MVP, his play did dip in 2025 — with his WAR dropping from 8.7 to 4.6.
That’s still an impressive result for the veteran outfielder, but given his age (29) and what was a lackluster showing in Boston’s Wild-Card series against the Yankees, Boston could deem Duran as the odd man out — especially if a trade nets a significant return.
There are several other teams who would covet Duran’s dynamic skillset, while his affordable contract ($8 million salary in 2026) and years of team control (signed through 2028) would further boost his trade worth.
“Teams such as the Phillies, Dodgers, Tigers, Guardians and Rangers would love to land him. He’s also controllable through the 2028 season, so it would take a huge haul for the Red Sox to move him,” Bowden wrote.
Anthony’s spot in the lineup won’t be questioned entering the 2026 season, while Abreu and Rafaela are both younger options who still present plenty of upside — especially when it comes to fielding and pop at the plate.
Even if Duran is still an impact player, the Red Sox could net a significant piece for Duran either in a one-for-one swap or part of larger package discount — especially when comes to proven starting pitching behind Garrett Crochet in the rotation.
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