The Boston Red Sox could make an offseason move that, in hindsight, may have benefited them sooner. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand named Jarren Duran among 11 offseason trade candidates. While Feinsand noted that the outfielder's trade value has "plummeted" since a breakout 2024 All-Star season, a deal could still make sense given Boston's roster construction.
"Boston will have to settle on a lesser return if it trades Duran, but with Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu on the roster, Duran doesn’t have a clear-cut role if that trio is healthy," Feinsand said. "When it comes to change-of-scenery candidates, Duran may be the poster child of that group." The Red Sox's crowded outfield has sparked speculation of a Duran trade dating back to last year, but the Red Sox have stood pat. He's fallen off considerably in 2026, batting .207/.263/.367 in 569 plate appearances.
It's a far cry from the star who finished eighth in 2024 American League MVP voting with a .285/.342/.492 slash line, 21 home runs, 31 stolen bases, and 111 runs scored. The Red Sox, or any team that acquires him, would probably compromise and take last year's .774 OPS. With a hand/wrist injury sidelining Anthony, the Red Sox did not appear to shop Duran before the trade deadline.
The 30-year-old found his power stroke to crush 11 extra-base hits (four doubles, a triple, and six home runs) in August but has an .583 OPS in eight September games. The Red Sox placed Ceddanne Rafalea on the injured list Sunday, so Duran shouldn't lose playing time in Anthony's return. While he should remain a key player in their playoff push, he may be the odd man out next year.
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