The Boston Red Sox, like every other team in MLB, are getting ready for the start of the 2026 campaign. However, manager Alex Cora is going to have some tough decisions to make when it comes to constructing his Opening Day roster, as the Sox are loaded with talent at several different spots as Spring Training continues to unfold.
Perhaps the deepest area of the roster is the outfield, where Boston has four starting-caliber guys (Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, and Roman Anthony) for the three positions. As a result, rumors have swirled regarding a trade, with Duran viewed as the most likely candidate to be on the move. However, one team insider recently shot down the trade buzz surrounding Duran.
Jarren Duran Trade Rumors Get Doused in Cold Water
Duran enjoyed a breakout campaign for the Red Sox in 2024, as he hit .285 with 21 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 34 stolen bases, helping him earn the first All-Star selection of his career. After previously struggling to find his way, Duran became everything the Sox were hoping for, as he was a dynamic presence who could break the game open in the blink of an eye.
In 2025, Duran was solid, but he struggled to replicate the success he enjoyed in 2024 (.256 BA, 16 HR, 84 RBI, 24 SB, .774 OPS). Those numbers are still strong, but with Rafaela and Abreu entrenched in center and right field, respectively, and Anthony looking set to become one of the best hitters in the game, Duran was believed to be the odd man out.
With the Sox needing some help in the infield, the team has been frequently linked to a trade for Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes. Duran’s name has reportedly popped up in these discussions, but according to Ian Browne of MLB.com, no deal will happen, simply because Paredes is not on the same level as Duran.
“I don’t see the Red Sox trading Duran for Paredes. It’s not an even swap. Duran is one of the most dynamic players in the league when he’s right,” Browne wrote. “My feeling is that the Red Sox want to see how their current lineup plays out and any eventual swap for Paredes wouldn’t include Duran, who is under club control through the ‘28 season.”
Should the Red Sox Trade Jarren Duran?
GettyBoston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran
The only reason Duran has seen his name pop up in trade rumors is because of Boston’s unique roster construction. If the Red Sox didn’t have a plethora of outfielders and a shortage of MLB-ready infielders, he’d likely have no buzz surrounding him. But even when considering that, the front office isn’t going to trade him just for the sake of doing so.
All throughout the offseason, the Sox have valued Duran higher than teams across the league have, as they believe he is capable of performing as he did in 2024. With that in mind, it seems like Duran is staying put for the time being, even though his fit on the roster is a bit complicated. If the right offer comes across their table, though, Boston could still be convinced to move on from him before the start of the new season.
Red Sox Insider Sends Clear Message on Jarren Duran Trade Rumors