The Boston Red Sox could look to subtract from their MLB roster, despite the hopes of being a World Series-contending team this season.
Boston has a surplus of talent pushing for MLB playing time, and the team could look to trade away Jarren Duran. Duran’s name has come up in trade rumors, and according to The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, trading the outfielder to create room for Kristian Campbell is a possibility.
“As for the future, while Rafaela and Roman Anthony signed extensions, and Wilyer Abreu (who seems likely to sign an extension at some point) isn’t a free agent until 2030, Duran hits free agency after the 2028 season. That’s still a while away, but his name has been in trade talks partially because he has fewer years of control. Trading Duran would open a spot for Campbell down the line,” McCaffrey wrote.
Despite Duran being a key part of the Red Sox for a couple of years now, his name has come up in trade rumors, and a deal could happen sooner rather than later.
Duran hit .256 with 16 home runs and 84 RBIs last season with the Red Sox and has proven he’s an everyday outfielder in the MLB.
Duran Aware of Trade Rumors
In the offseason, Duran’s name came up in plenty of trade rumors, and it was hard for him not to hear about it.
However, with Duran still a member of the Red Sox, he said his focus is on playing for Boston s he was unfazed by the trade rumors.
“I never look at that stuff. My parents look at it enough for me,” Duran said. “They text me and go, ‘Did you get traded?’ I’m like, ‘Do you really think I’m not going to let you know if I get traded? C’mon.’ I never give it any two cents. It’s in God’s hands, and whatever happens, happens.”
Duran is a fan-favorite in Boston, but with plenty of young players coming in the system, he could be on the outside looking in in a few years, which is why Boston could look to trade him.
Yet, Duran is just excited to play baseball this season and show he’s much better than last season, which he called disappointing.
“I’m always disappointed in myself,” Duran said. “I always feel like I don’t do the best that I can do. I feel like I let the fans down sometimes, or my teammates. It’s a new year, so you just have to flush it and go out there and do my thing.”
Red Sox View Campbell as Part of Core
Boston could look to trade Duran to open every day playing time for Campbell, who the team views as a key part of the core.
As of right now, Campbell is blocked, but McCaffrey said the team is fine with being patient with him. However, the Red Sox do have high expectations for the top prospect and what he can become in the big leagues.
“The status of Campbell remains a big topic of concern, and we got several questions about him. Campbell put in a lot of work this offseason to rebuild his swing, and while everyone would like the results to be immediate, it’s still a work in progress,” McCaffrey added. “The Red Sox have been patient with him and will continue to be patient. …
“He’ll almost certainly start the year in Triple A, where he’ll be able to get consistent at-bats and playing time to keep focusing on his offense away from the pressures of the majors. The Red Sox will surely have an injury in their outfield at some point this season, opening the door for Campbell to be recalled as long as he’s showing progress in Triple A.”
Campbell hit .223 with 6 home runs and 21 RBIs last season with the Red Sox.
Red Sox Could Make Intriguing Move With Jarren Duran for Top Prospect