A Boston radio host floated a stunning trade scenario that would send Jarren Duran to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Mike Trout amid growing frustration surrounding the Boston Red Sox floundering season.
“Would you put it past John Henry to be reactionary and reach for a move to try and regain the narrative?” Felger wondered aloud.
Michael Felger of 98.5 The Sports Hub reported the blockbuster possibility, attributing the report to a “loose” source, hours before the Red Sox fell to the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 on Tuesday to drop their record to 17-24.
Felger said that his source claimed the Red Sox could package outfielder Duran and pitcher Brayan Bello to land the three-time AL MVP and future Hall of Famer. While Felger repeatedly cautioned that the idea came from a loosely sourced “cocktail” rumor rather than confirmed reporting, his scenario saw Felger raising questions about whether John Henry could pursue a dramatic, reactionary move after the organization’s controversial handling of Rafael Devers earlier this season.
“I’m not presenting this to you as baseball sources informing me that this is coming,” Felger said on air. “I feel it’s my responsibility as a host of a one-source show, and I would say even the use of the word ‘source’ is loose — very.”
The veteran radio talker continued.
“Don’t be surprised if we wind up with Mike Trout. Great source. He’s 100 years old, but they think he’s a better leader than Bregman and will hit a bunch of home runs at Fenway Park, and L.A. likes Duran and Bello.”
Trout is, in fact, 34 years old. But he is playing his 16th season, all for the Angels, after being drafted 25th overall out of Millville Senior HS in Millville, New Jersey, in 2009. Trout debuted just two years later at age 19.
Felger also invoked the Rafael Devers trade as a frame for why Red Sox ownership might pull this particular trigger. The Red Sox traded Devers, then their highest-paid player, to the San Francisco Giants in June 2025.
“It just sort of feels as off the wall as trading Raffy Devers in the first place,” Felger said on the broadcast.
Would the Red Sox Actually Do This?
Wild as it sounds, there’s logic in the cocktail-napkin math. Trout is in the midst of a remarkable bounce-back season. ESPN detailed how the three-time MVP overhauled his training and diet this offseason, and the results have been startling, with 11 home runs and a .936 OPS through 42 games, playing center field again after years in right field.
The perennial obstacles, however, are that Trout is owed over $185 million through 2030, has a no-trade clause, and carries an injury history. Those things don’t just go away because of a hot six weeks. Bleacher Report recently mapped out realistic Trout trade destinations that included the Yankees, Tigers, Padres and Blue Jays. The Red Sox were not in the conversation. That was before Felger’s “cocktail napkin.”
What Boston Would Be Giving Up
Duran has been one of the better outfielders in baseball over the past two seasons, an AL MVP candidate in 2024 with elite speed and a plus bat. Pretty much what the Angels rebuild needs.
Bello is a different story in 2026. The 26-year-old who went 14-9 in 2024 is carrying a 6.46 ERA and 1.74 WHIP on the year. But Bello is coming off two strong outings in which he allowed just two earned runs in 13 1/3 innings on eight hits and two walks while striking out 12. Bello’s team-friendly deal through 2029 at $55 million, however, would add appeal to any package heading to Anaheim.
Felger signed off the segment with the disclaimer that should be bolted to every rumor of this variety.
“If it happens, you can thank me,” he said. “If it’s wrong, don’t blame me.”
Red Sox Wild Trade Would Send Jarren Duran for Mike Trout: Report