The Boston Red Sox have floated outfielder Jarren Duran on the trade market, and he could soon be dealt.
Duran’s name was part of trade rumors last season, but the Red Sox never moved him. However, his name has still come up in trade rumors. MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes the Houston Astros could look to acquire him.
“There has been a lot of speculation that the Red Sox might trade Duran because they are planning on starting an outfield of Wilyer Abreu in right, Ceddanne Rafaela in center and Roman Anthony in left. Which leaves the 29-year-old Duran as the designated hitter,” Bowden wrote. “It’s not that they want to trade Duran. But if the return was either an infielder or starting pitcher who better fits with their current roster, they’d be open to it.
“They haven’t been close on a deal involving Duran yet, but that could change during spring training. The Astros could be a good match. They don’t have an obvious spot for Isaac Paredes to play this season now that they have Carlos Correa. And Houston needs outfield upgrades. If the Red Sox decide to keep Duran and listen on Abreu instead, the Astros would also be a good fit.”
Houston and Boston could agree to a baseball trade, swapping current MLB players.
Duran is set to earn $7.7 million in 2026 and has two more years of team control, which could help boost his trade value.
Astros Reportedly Not Interested in Duran
Although Bowden believes the Astros are a good match for Duran, it appears Houston isn’t interested in the outfielder.
Astros insider Will Kunkel, went on social media to claim the Astros aren’t interested in him.
“The Houston Astros are NOT in trade talks for Red Sox OF Jarren Duran, per source.”
It’s intriguing that the Astros aren’t interested in Duran as he appears to be a natural fit for Houston. Yet, if the Astros aren’t interested in him, whether or not the Red Sox will be able to trade Duran is uncertain.
Duran hit .256 with 16 home runs and 84 RBIs last season with the Red Sox.
Duran Has Been Named a Trade Candidate for Red Sox
Despite Duran being a fan-favorite in previous seasons for his hustle and effort, his time in Boston could be coming to an end.
Although Duran’s name has come up in trade rumors dating back to last season, Boston won’t just deal him for nothing. MLB insider Ian Browne reported in December that the Red Sox won’t just trade him for nothing.
“If the Red Sox can put together a package that includes Duran that will land them an elite starter. Someone who could pitch near the front of the rotation in a postseason series. I believe it is very likely,” Browne wrote. “However, given Duran’s talent, the Red Sox aren’t just going to trade him to make it easier for Cora to divvy up the playing time in the outfield. It will have to be the right deal for Boston to move on from Duran.”
Duran was an All-Star in 2024.
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