The Red Sox have fought their way back into playoff contention after their shocking trade of franchise face Rafael Devers last month. Boston has rattled off a seven-game win streak to put themselves at a 50-45 record entering play today and in a statistical tie with the Mariners for the final AL Wild Card spot. That hasn’t stopped some of their top players from finding their names in the rumor mill, however. While it would be shocking for a team in playoff position that has plenty of uncertainty on the infield as it is to trade away someone like Alex Bregman, the Red Sox do have an overflowing outfield mix that could at least theoretically be put to use this summer and bring back some much-needed pitching help.
Masataka Yoshida returned to the Red Sox yesterday after missing the first half of the season while rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder, and with his return comes an embarrassment of riches in the Red Sox outfield. Roman Anthony entered the season as the sport’s consensus top prospect and, after a slow start, has taken off in recent weeks with a .308/.413/.462 slash line since the Devers trade. Fellow youngster Ceddanne Rafaela has also caught fire of late, with an absurd .303/.341/.630 slash line since the start of June that he’s paired with some of the best outfield defense in the entire American League. And that’s before even getting into Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran, both of whom established themselves as impact players with big campaigns in 2024.
It’s Duran who’s gotten the most attention as a trade candidate of that group, and he’s certainly attractive. He’s just one year removed from a top-ten finish in AL MVP voting, and while his 2025 season (105 wRC+) has left something to be desired, it’s easy for teams to dream on that upside given his three-and-a-half years of team control remaining. There aren’t many teams in baseball who wouldn’t stand to benefit from adding someone of Duran’s caliber to their lineup, but which clubs should be most interested in his services? A look at some potential fits:
San Diego Padres
The most discussed potential suitor for Duran early on, San Diego has targeted the outfielder in the past and that interest appears to be ongoing. The Padres are operating under a tight budget, so a player like Duran who remains in the early years of arbitration is an attractive addition. They’ve also got a gaping hole in the lineup after their left field platoon of Jason Heyward and Connor Joe to open the season did not work out. Gavin Sheets is currently holding down the fort at the position, and while his 118 wRC+ this year has been impressive he’s also a poor defender best suited to DH work. Adding Duran, then, could upgrade the club both offensively and defensively.
Houston Astros
There might be no team that’s a better on-paper fit for Duran than the Astros. With Yordan Alvarez on the injured list for most of the season and Kyle Tucker having been dealt to Chicago, Houston has no left-handed regulars in its lineup. That lack of lefty bats has made them a pedestrian offense (103 wRC+) against right-handed pitching this year, and while Cam Smith has settled in well as the club’s new right fielder a combination of Taylor Trammell, Cooper Hummel, and Jose Altuve in left isn’t great. Duran would be a perfect addition for the club, though a farm system typically viewed as one of the weakest in the majors could make acquiring a talent of his caliber difficult.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals have been looking to find help for Bobby Witt Jr. in their lineup, and while they thought they found just that this winter when they traded for Jonathan India, the addition hasn’t worked out as hoped so far. No team gets less production from their outfield mix than Kansas City, and while Jac Caglianone should contribute at some point, the rest of the group is in need of a serious makeover. Duran would be a strong addition who could fill the leadoff role India was brought in to address, but the team’s 46-48 record could make buying this summer a tough sell unless they can rattle off a big win streak. While other contenders are likely more motivated to make a deal now, the Royals could be an especially interesting suitor if Duran remains in Boston headed into the winter.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are clinging to a small lead over the Mets in the NL East at the moment, and they’re doing that without much production from their outfield. Brandon Marsh has turned things around after a disastrous start to the year and is now roughly league average overall, and Nick Castellanos remains his usual self. The addition of Max Kepler simply hasn’t worked out, however, and Johan Rojas hasn’t looked good as anything more than a defense-first bench option either. Replacing Kepler with Duran would not only help the Phillies in the short-term, but it would also allow the team to add a controllable, cost-effective bat to the lineup at a time where multiple significant pieces (Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suarez) will either need to be re-signed or replaced.
Other Options
While the four teams mentioned above are arguably the teams that could benefit most from adding Duran, there are certainly other clubs that should have at least some interest in his services. Michael Conforto’s OPS is below .600, and with him ticketed for free agency after the season the Dodgers would certainly stand to improve from adding Duran and could make room for him long-term. The Mariners could be a tricky fit given that both Duran and Randy Arozarena are best suited to left field, but they could certainly use an extra outfield bat. The Pirates are clear sellers this season but need reliable bats to surround Paul Skenes and the rest of their young rotation, and even Bob Nutting can afford an arbitration-level player like Duran. The Twins will need a replacement for Harrison Bader’s production going forward, and perhaps Duran could serve as a bridge to Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez for Minnesota.
If the Red Sox decide to move Duran, which club would benefit most from bringing him in? Have your say in the poll below:
None
Came here to say Boston.
Who would Boston trade for him though, Cowboy?
Exactly Gwynning. I love this site but articles like this that don’t project returns is almost like click bait.
a player to be named later
Lol
In fairness he’s been named by every baseball writer, program and rumor site. I don’t know why they would trade him, but usually when there’s that much smoke there’s some fire to it…never know b/w Cora and Breslow.
This site has gotten real good at it, Dewey! One might say they’re master baiters nowadays…
Like there was with Cease in the offseason? This site alone had 22 articles in 5 months that mentioned possible Cease trades. He is still a Padre.
There actually haven’t been ANY reputable writers who’ve mentioned anything about legit Duran rumors other than the report from 2 months ago that San Diego was “interested”….but there’s literally been nothing since. Abreu is the far more likely OF to get traded
They did shop him they just didn’t get what they wanted
Every site repeating the same click-bait rumor? That never happens.. I do agree they have a logjam, but moving any of the current players not named Bregman or Yoshida would be a tough sell to the fans without a very good/overwhelming return. I doubt anyone is willing to give up high level prospects or above a #5 starter that doesn’t already have their own logjam to unclog. I’d say trade Bregman and/or Yoshida, and eat salary to keep the kids playing where they are. But hey, that’s just my opinion
Not going there Gwynning ..
Great comment
Okay, it’s better if the writer randomly picks prospects from other teams rosters. Sounds like Bleacher Report or SI.
Gwynn – I hear ya, it’s kinda amazing the first commenter doesn’t even realize Duran is already on the Red Sox and the poll question is which team SHOULD make the biggest push to acquire him.
But that’s what often happens here, the first comment is frequently the worst as they are simply rushing to get the attention that comes with being the first.
Rot – It sounds like you heard the Bowden report that Bregman will be traded if he doesn’t agree to an extension by the trade deadline. I do think his being traded would cause an uproar. Fans are fickle, they think Bregman will continue to perform for the next 6 years as he has the first 7 weeks of the season.
vps – That was prior to the 2024 season though, a lot has changed since then.
16, we just have to keep in mind the difference between speculation and reports. The only reports on Duran being traded have been light *and* (more importantly) have only cited the interest of other teams in acquiring him. There has been nothing on the Boston side of things that isn’t speculation. So there is no “smoke”, just gossip about all the smoke that is running around the neighboring town that may be mistaking fog for smoke. Without a doubt, Breslow would listen to offers, but that’s a different deal.
Although trading him last winter would have been prudent, apparently.
Smelly – They didn’t because they planned all along to keep Roman in the minors for half a season, as 2026 is when they planned to finally try to win.
Fever,
was replying to Pads Fans about the Cease Rumors, I should have indicated that.
Fever the Red Sox trading for him comment was sarcasm. Saying that team will be improved most by keeping him basically.
FPG- if the Sox go 7-8 or 6-9 over these next 15 tough games, I would love to see Bregman in a Tigers, Cubs or Astros uniform.
Screw him and Boras, whom I’m sure thinks he currently holds a blank check in his hand with Devers gone
Sad – I don’t consider the Twins a tough series. LOL!
According to Bowden the three teams looking to acquire Bregman are Seattle, Detroit and Milwaukee.
Seattle would definitely benefit most and no way he would go there as a free agent.
Wade – Okay but honestly I don’t see the humor in it because it’s so non-sensical.
It’s like asking the question “Who should the Red Sox try hardest this offseason to sign as a free agent” and answering with “Roman Anthony” or “Crochet” or “Bello” or “Rafaela”.
As a jays fan I find it very weird to read an article about who would be interested in player xyz and not see them as one of the said teams.
The Sox would never trade Duran to the team they’re trying to beat unless they were totally out of it and were offered a King’s ransom that was not expected. Suppose Vladdy hadn’t re-inked and Toronto wasn’t out of it, would you include Boston in an article about where he might land? It’s not realistic even with Boston’s obvious need and their ability to part with good prospects.
It’s not the off-season or free agent season
The Jays aren’t interested in players during the actual season
Rick – The Jays have been quite active at prior trade deadlines.
I agree with Sweet… NONE
Bregman gets moved as he will opt out.
Ceddanne gets moved back to the infield, and Yoshi is primary DH.
Log jam cleared. Only question is what the return for Bregman is.
DBH – I was all for Rafaela moving to the infield long ago, but now I think there’s zero chance. He’s really improved his game in CF and moving him now to middle infield would weaken two very important positions.
As for Bregman, I don’t believe Bowden on this one. Unless the Sox absolutely collapse, they can’t trade Bregman.
Told ya, bro… Ceddy to 2nd for today’s game. 🙂
DBH – Well done sir!
If Boston trades him, they’re idiots. There’s such a thing as “depth”. Ref won’t be there in another 2-1/2 months. Yoshida is a DH and little else. They deal Duran and it’s only a matter of time before they’re forced to call up Trayce Thompson of an injury occurs.
let – The Sox have outfielders up the ying yang.
If Yoshida is still on the team he’s fine in LF.
I don’t expect Ref to get a better salary playing fulltime elsewhere, so he could be back.
Password could be up next year.
Campbell isn’t looking too hot in the infield, he could be back in the outfield next year.
And who knows, maybe they give Raffy’s money to Tucker?
Either way, an outfield of Rafaela/Abreu/Anthony would be fine. You don’t pay top dollar for a strong all-around outfielder to have him sit on the bench or DH fulltime. That would be a tremendous waste of money, and the outfielder wouldn’t like it either.
Fever – I think Ref is retiring after this season and Password (a.k.a. The Human Eye Chart) may still be a 2027 addition, not 2026.
let – I dunno, Ref would be coming off one of his best seasons and he would be only 35. I think he chooses the $$$.
Let – if they can turn Duran into a quality starter then that benefits the team much more than having a good outfielders rotting on the bench.
They could call up Jhostynxon instead of Trayce.
I would only trade Duran (or Abreu) if they can get top tier starting pitching back.
An easier solution to this problem is to trade Yoshida for… whatever and free up the DH spot since we all know he should not be playing the field.
Trayce still playing? I always hoped he would break out as a dodger
Yeah, the Red Sox signed him to a minor league deal this off-season and he’s been in AAA this entire season
The Rockies
This is known as “out of the box” thinking.
Can you improve on perfection?
None is right
Voted SD based on the question, but they don’t have the assets. For that, Royals are the best combo of need/ability.
they would give up Salas or mayfield
Not Salas, soz.
That`s not enough
Then, seemingly as we all suspect, Duran won’t be traded.
Pads would have to give up Salas or DeVries. But why trade for him, we need a RH bat
Boston Bateman should be enough to entice the Red Sox – Boston in Boston – he is a big lefty in the mould of Tarik Skubal. Throws Fastball, Curveball, Changeup and is modeling his game after the Tiger’s ace. He’s only 19, a couple years out, but he has faired pretty well in High A ball, averaging a strikeout per inning.
But Boston (Red Sox) is in the AL playoff mix, does trading your best OF for a SP prospect that is three years out make sense if you are trying to win a pennant?
Gwynning
Then, seemingly as we all suspect, Duran won’t be traded.
========================
The entire SD makes no sense to me. SD’s two best assets are Salas and De Vries, and we have Narvaez at catcher, and Mayer (maybe) and Arias as future catchers.
In addition, Duran is not a unique fit for SD.
But mostly, contenders don’t generally make good trading partners. Trades are usually prospects for current players. But neither SD nor the RS are likely to trade away any current players.
It would have to be both, and I’d still rather have Duran. Salas needs to learn how to hit A+ ball before he’s the main piece for a good MLB player.
Agreed. In addition to showing hit consistency, also needs to display long term health. Catching is a rough job.
Also, a 1-1 player/prospect deal hasn’t been kind to them recently. See the Sale/Grissom swap.
De Vries is the #3 prospect in baseball. It would take a player much better and younger than Duran to prompt the Padres to trade him.
Think about it, would the Red Sox have traded Anthony prior to last season? De Vries is a higher rated prospect and 3 years younger than Anthony.
In his age 18 season Anthony was in rookie ball and a few games in low A where he hit .189 with a .522 OPS. De Vries is in high A with a .761 OPS (.50 points higher than league average) playing against pitchers 5 years older than he is on average. (Midwest League pitchers averaged 23.2 years old to start the season)
So Duran and his career 112 OPS+ is not enough to get De Vries.
Pads Fans, your overall point I agree with, but some of your components are off.
Prior to 2024, yeah, I think Boston would have considered trading Anthony for a Duran-type player who is both strong MLB value and still has a lot of control. Anthony’s stock rocketed to another level over the course of 2024, and you’re more likely to trade a prospect who is seen as still having a decent amount of minor league road to tread than one who is knocking on the door.
De Vries frankly is a somewhat different category of prospect, as his initial perceived talent level was higher than Anthony’s and thus his projection (rather than proven production) carries more of the current load. I would always prefer to trade a top 10 overall prospect who is very young and low minors than a top 10 overall prospect whom I expect will be “up” soon, but when the former is seen as a special talent there tends to simply be total disinterest in trading such a guy as all (whereas Anthony hadn’t quite reached that level pre-2024).
That paragraph “In his age 18 season” was pretty woof. You’re really going to try to compare the end-season pro debut games of a just-turned-18 year old (rookie ball 10 games .961 OPS, A ball 10 games .522 OPS) to the second-pro-season of a guy who opened the year 18.5 years old? The proper analysis is that Anthony in his first full pro season beginning at 19.0 years old he held his own in 42 A ball games (good plate disicpline, .693 OPS) while working on his swing, which apparently unlocked something as he then lept to a .981 OPS in 54 A+ ball games and small-sample impressed with a 1.020 OPS in 10 AA games. De Vries, at a half year (not full year) younger and with a full pro season already under his belt, has done exactly what you’d like to see (.765 OPS with no red flags that I can tell) from such a young elite talent at A+ ball. Obviously, as of early in these comp seasons Anthony was way behind De Vries in terms of both perceived underlying talent and actual performance, but then that’s at the exact point when Anthony’s still-light pro work took hold and he blossomed into an elite *performer* to completely shift the trajectory of his expectations. De Vries at this moment is now well behind the actual production of second-half 2023 Anthony at a similar age (conflating their 0.5 year age difference as exactly the same age or a 1 year difference would be equally unfair), but whatever, different general prospect profiles and De Vries is shining gold right now and it’s no black mark on him that he hasn’t seen his swing unlocked just yet as Anthony did.
You accidentally or otherwise play a similar game by citing Duran’s career OPS+, as if anyone is including his 69 OPS+ first 335 PAs in the going-forward valuation. Again, these things should be taken with some common sense about how projections work, and in this case we know Duran blossomed offensively in 2023 (with some streakiness), validated that small-sample blossom in 2024 while also blossoming defensively, and then this year even as he hasn’t repeated 2024 he’s still been plenty positive value with the bat while his statcast measures hint that he’s more likely to trend up than down, to go with tons of speed and good defensive versatility. He’s more than just a career OPS+ guy, though I’ll be the first to say his profile begs a wider range of projections and valuations from teams and thus his trade value can and should be more varying.
Yeah, it would be pretty crazy for the Pads to trade De Vries for Duran, but that’s mostly because there are very few good setups for trading a De Vries. Likewise, for a youngish player of Duran’s now-established floor and 3 remaining years of pre-FA control you don’t trade him to any team that doesn’t both give him a bullish valuation and has the right pieces to meet that. In SD’s case, they’re kind of a bad match because their most appealing pieces aren’t really worth using in any trade right now (barring obvious awesome return) and then from there a “bullish” package would likely be hard to make. So, that’s that, right?
Anthony is rated higher and has been that DeVries.
He’s also 2 full years of development ahead of Leo, butch. It takes a pretty rare talent to be a near-unanimous Top 3 MLB prospect at 19yo…
Padsfan, the simple answer to your question is that the Red Sox would not have traded Anthony in the 2023-2024 offseason unless the return was a player or players that all fit the Red Sox needs perfectly and was a consistent All Star caliber player with several years of team control.
Your GM said in his recent interview that his #1 priority at the trade deadline is a right handed bat or possibly two. He mentioned that the Padres had been lacking power deeper down in the lineup. According to him those are the Padres needs he would like to fill in trade. He didn’t specify at what position, but I am sure that moving Sheets back to DH where he seems best suited is at least a consideration in who to trade for.
Like the Red Sox, the Padres lineup is LHB heavy. Duran makes no sense for the Padres as he is one of our LHB and he has little power. His strengths are defense and speed. He would not be the perfect fit type of trade I had said it taken for the Red Sox to have traded Anthony.
Butch, he was right that at the same age that De Vries is rated higher than Anthony was at that age.
Not going to try to answer that novel.
De Vries is a higher ranked prospect then Anthony was at the same age. That he is playing well above average ball in his second season of full season professional baseball in high A at the same age that Anthony was in his first taste of rookie league ball and low A is entirely germane to the conversation. It shows how special De Vries is.
Duran is not “youngish”, he will be 29 in September and is in his 5th season in MLB. His OPS+ is 107 this season. I was being gracious in using his 112 OPS+ career numbers. An outlier season does not define the player. Duran is a very good OF that is going to be a very valuable 4 WAR player this season. Sadly, all we hear from Red Sox fans is trying to gauge his trade value based on an 8 WAR career year from 2024. A season that appears likely he will never repeat.
The main reason it would be crazy for the Padres to trade for Duran is that they don’t need him. He is not a RHB. He does not hit for power. His bat would be a downgrade from the guy that is currently playing LF full time for the Padres today. THAT is why the Padres won’t trade for him.
From the Red Sox point of view they have no need for prospects several years away from the majors. Their main need is bullpen help. Maybe a back of the rotation starter. You don’t have to give away Duran to get that.
At age 18 De Vries is rated number 3 and that is far higher than Anthony was at the same age. Even at age 20 Anthony was not rated as highly as De Vries is right now at 18. It wasn’t until 2025, going into his age 21 season, that Anthony was rated higher than De Vries is right now.
Best, I think you hit the main point of the discussion. Duran is not a good fit for the Padres.
The Padres could come up with a package for Duran that fits the Red Sox needs with a couple of high leverage bullpen pieces, but that that turns a strength into a weakness without addressing the Padres need for a RHB with power.
I think its likely that the Red Sox don’t trade Duran.
Gwynning, De Vries is still 18. He turns 19 in mid-October
Even more preposterous, web! =)
It would take Salas AND Mayfield to even open the conversation, but I doubt the Sox would have interest. The only way I think they’d move Duran is for an established, controllable SP2-SP3 …they’re not giving up Duran for prospects 2-3yrs away
If Duran was a rental then salas would be off the table, but this is 3 and a half years of control for a guy that can get 8 war
Besides the Red Sox would value Salas a ton because they need a long term catcher (assuming narvaez isnt their permanent starter)
I can’t speak to Boston’s level of interest in Salas, but just alluding to the well-known fact that AJ will not move him. You’re not wrong by any stretch though, sad. It would be a value-to-value and equitable trade; it’s just not happening.
I don’t see why they wouldn’t view Narvaez as their starting catcher going forward. He’s on a 5.0-5.5 WAR pace as a rookie; even if you assume his bat regresses to league average he’s probably a 3.5-4.0 WAR player
I just put that out there because his production has been completely unexpected this year
He might be their next catcher for year to come, or he might forget how to hit and get taken off
Yep. I’m enjoying watching Narvaez but is he THE MAN or another Sandy Leon? While I will always have a special place for Leon, he too came out of nowhere and initially hit.
Completely agree. Hope he’s the real deal but have been burned by flash in the pan seasons from Leon and even Wong for a bit last year, I will need to see him sustain playing at a plus level well into next year to really have more faith in him being the long term guy.
Narveaz didn’t come out of nowhere. He played 190 games in AAA over 2yrs w/Yankees, hitting .247/.371 and an OPS of .772 with 21 HR and good defensive grades. He was a steal for the Sox …. if you bought into Sandy Leon, thats on you lol
Tommy, no one is bringing in Leon now but back then his defensive pedigree was every bit as strong only they measured differently. He was though not as good a hitter and yet for the first couple of months he was a hitting machine.
I should clarify I did not think Leon was going to be some perennial all star or something. But he was hitting enough at first I thought hey, maybe this guy randomly overcomes his glove-firdt profile and actually manages to be a decent bat as well. Which was not the case.
And I don’t put a whole lot of stock in catchers’ minor league numbers to be honest. It seems for the majority of guys. even plenty who were good hitters at lower levels or in college, that just focusing on playing the catcher position adequately is enough of a full time job it doesn’t leave a whole lot of time to focus on the hitting element of their game.
So again I am still hopeful for Narvy, but also still wouldn’t dislike it if our next best option was better than Wong, just in case.
Dirty – I totally agree, and that’s exactly why it’s important to have a second capable catcher ….. and right now they don’t, because Wong is useless.
It is interesting though to speculate as to whether Wong will get a hit with RISP this season ;O)
Dirty – You are 100% correct!
Catchers wear down, it’s a demanding position.
Look at Vaz, .798 OPS from 2019-2020 …. and .598 in 2023, .575 in 2024, and .499 this year.
Look at Salty ….. .804 OPS in 2013, done by 2016.
The list goes on and on ….
Narvaez wasn’t exactly a steal, the player they traded away has been the best pitcher in High A ball this season and looks likely to be a front of the rotation starter with a 98 mph heater.
I think it’s too soon to declare the trade anything for either side
Narvaez has been fantastic this season, but as we have seen before (Sandy Leon in 2016, Connor Wong last year, Vazquez in 2019) even mediocre catchers are good enough to randomly have one great year. I’m not calling Narvaez mediocre but I’m not ready to call him a certified stud yet, either. Time will tell.
Pitchers in A ball look like the next this or that all the time. For what it’s worth, most of them usually end up being closer to the next hot dog vendor than the next ace.
No need to rush to grade every transaction. We can check back on it in 3 or 4 years and see then how each side fared.
Dirty, Totally agree with you and dewey. We need to see more than a few months of Narvaez before we start counting on him. We’ve been down that road before. Maybe by the middle of 2026 we will know what we have.
mainesox 2
I don’t see why they wouldn’t view Narvaez as their starting catcher going forward.
=========================
If the season ended today, he would easily lead all rookies in bWAR.
a) I would assume the Sox ABSOLUTELY view Narveaz as their C of the future. He’s 26, not even arb eligible for 3 more yrs, grades very well defensively and has been a top 5 C offensively.
b) Salas trade value isn’t great. He’s yet to hit at any level, yet SD keeps promoting him. He’s at LEAST 2yrs away and thats assuming he starts hitting his weight at some point.
c) If the Sox moved Duran, it would most likely be for MLB players, not prospects anyway….presumably a controllable SP2-SP3 with upside type
Tommy, the Padres keep promoting Salas because behind the plate he is MLB ready. If being a catcher; calling games, working with pitchers on game planning, playing defense, throwing out runners, etc…, was all he had to do he would have been in San Diego to start the season. He is the best catcher in the minor leagues behind the plate. Not one person in the game will dispute that fact.
What he hasn’t done yet for more than short stretches is hit the ball well. He did have one of the highest EV in both the California league and in the Texas League last season at age 18, so he CAN hit the ball and hit it very hard. He was only called up to AA last season because they were in the playoff run and Preller wanted him to experience that. He was there for 9 games and the players were more than 6 years older than him on average.
Finding that he has had a stress fracture in his back explains a lot of why he has not been hitting. It will be interesting to see what he does down the stretch when healthy.
Like most writers and the guys on MLB Network (both TV and radio) have said, I think the Red Sox needs are primarily high leverage bullpen pieces. Once they shore up what is a pretty meh relief staff, then a middle of the rotation starter if one is available. They have the prospects to go out and get that without touching the major league roster.
Tommygunn44
b) Salas trade value isn’t great.
==========================
My theory is, and I am more convinced of this every year, there is no such thing as a catching prospect. Great prospects flame out immediately, and guys you never heard of play for 10 years
I think the Sox would place a greater value on players that will help them win sooner instead of later. Salas isn’t off to a great start, probably four years away from being a (possible) good mlb player.
They are better off getting arm that is ready or 2-3 higher level prospects instead of dealing for one A-ball hitter. Salas is currently #25 in the Pipeline. In the last three years of the 2010s, the #25 prospect was, in order, Anderson Espinoza, Brendan McKay, and Carter Keiboom. Hmm…
In 2024 the #24 prospect was Roman Anthony. Hmm…
Seriously, Salas started the season at AA and he didn’t turn 19 until June. Then in April they found out he had a stress reaction (read fracture) in his back he had been playing through since the beginning of last year. In spring training everyone was saying that if all he had to do was play behind the plate that he could have been in San Diego on opening day. That is how good he is. What he hasn’t done yet is hit, but the back injury explains much of that. His potential is top of the charts.
I assume his price tag will be based on 2024 production with most teams wanting to base their offers on the 2025 version, so can’t see a deal happening
Best post in this thread.
The Red Sox are not trading Duran
Coop – Problem is it will be Duran or Abreu, and Abreu is a lot younger and better hitter and better fielder.
Fever, I wouldn’t say a better hitter. More power it seems but Duran’s speed is a game changer. The age, control and the expected upcoming immediate salary increases are the issues. I though still believe Duran will fetch more but it might be after the season.
dewey – Abreu’s OPS is 97 points higher than Duran’s. If you’re taking into consideration baserunning, that’s fine …. but to me that’s a separate category.
As for fielding, Abreu’s OAA is +5 and Duran’s is -6. Duran has had a rough go of it in the outfield this year, despite playing a much easier LF.
It’s unfortunate Cora won’t allow Abreu to improve against LHP, but right now it’s understandable.
But that also provides an advantage in that it will be easier to acquire a return commensurate with Abreu’s actual value.
There is going to be a lot more variance in opinion on what Duran is and what Duran will be going forward. There might be teams who view Duran as highly valuable, but as far as what they’re willing to pay it will be closer in line to his 2023 or 2025 value. There will probably also be some teams who view him as a soon to be 29 year old who may have already peaked so they wouldn’t even pay fair value based on his ’23 or ’25 production since they are concerned about longevity. The Sox on the other hand have seen what he is capable of at his best (last year), and while that may not be the annual norm he has at least proven he can hit that gear as a player, and him reaching that for even a month or two is vital to our postseason hopes right now. So not only would selling him at a fair value to his ’23 or ’25 production feel like selling his value short, getting any less than that would be even less acceptable. Not to mention the slap in the face to morale if they ship off yet another fan favorite. There are just too many factors that I don’t think they would be able to get a good enough offer to justify pulling the trigger on Duran even if he’s the guy they prefer to move.
Abreu on the other hand, there is far less disagreement on what he is. It will be much, much easier to get fair value coming back on him.
This is actually a fairly perfect analysis. Been saying this for weeks. Duran is far more vital to the team with what he brings and his intangibles and leadership (especially with Devers gone) ..Abreu is FAR more likely to get moved imo ….especially since the ‘Password’ isnt far behind.
Devers provided no leadership. C’mon man.
Better fielder, yes – better ‘power’, sure. Better ‘hitter’ …nah. Baserunner, nah…leader, nah.
Duran’s intangibles far outweigh what Abreu brings to the table imo …which is why Abreu has taken on more of the 4th OF role since Anthony’s promotion. Abreu is the odd man out
Tom – If Rafaela continues to play as he has, he would easily replace Duran as the leadoff hitter.
And I think you fail to realize Abreu HAS improved vs LHP as he’s now got a .703 OPS ….. while Duran is .568 vs LHP..
So who you gonna keep, the guy who has greatly improved vs LHP ….. or the guy who has gotten much worse against them?
The problem with a Duran trade is when you look under the hood.
He’s a *master* at using the monster. Those doubles and triples he puts up, most of those fall to singles and outs at another ballpark.
If you look only at his xbhs and, omit hrs for simplicity, he’s got the skills to put the ball where he wants to sometimes and that drives up his .ops…. and you know if I saw it, other teams have seen it too.
I think duran outside Boston becomes a lesser, still serviceable, but lesser mlb player who tends to beat out singles instead of so many xbhs.
GaSox – Agreed! His H/R split is significantly favorable in Fenway.
You should have seen Wednesday’s game …. on a simple ground ball up the middle, he ended up at THIRD BASE after the Rox botched THREE PLAYS on the SAME GROUNDER!!
That’s how speed impacts an opponent’s defense, just like we saw last night with Simpson.
Nobody. Guy’s a darn good baseball player, but also a spaz.
Shut up, you so-ing so-so 🙂
Is this click Bait?
Yes
Breslow has proven he’s gonna do things his way so I see him sticking with the young guys and moving Duran. He’s a tricky player to value though as he may have peaked last season.
He’s coming on fine right now and can dictate a game with his speed. I no longer believe 24 was the best he will produce.
While the Red Sox have a log jam it’s a good thing I feel…Unless THEY are blown away with trade, theses things have a way of working out.. Please… Don’t settle for some rummy, just for the sake of a strength ….
NY Mets
Nolan McLean would need to come back in that deal.
Not understanding why everyone thinks he is getting traded. What can the Padres give up to get him? A teenaged catcher with an ultra fast bat speed and a 200 batting average? Only Philly has the goods in that list to get the job done
There is that “if” word. I seriously doubt they move him.
I feel like the Padres always figure out a way to get what they want, though. They would likely throw in a top reliever as well to help.
How are the Mets not on the poll? They would be the odds on favorite.
If anyone in the Mets or Phillies front offices have watched “The Clubhouse” or read/heard any of Jarren’s comments after the Devers trade they would probably be wise to avoid trying to acquire him. If he struggles with pressure in Boston, he’s not going to like New York or Philadelphia
i would disagree about ny because you got two bigger names in soto and lindor and even alonso so that pressure probably wouldnt be as high in boston.
Why? Duran is not a CF. It’s not a good fit. Houston is the perfect fit.
I would think that Boston wants ML pitching in return for Duran, not minor league hitters.
Cleaver – Sorry but that’s an incredibly silly thing to say.
Duran led MLB in DRS for CF’ers last year with 17 …… and that’s despite playing only 810 innings.
His speed is being totally wasted in LF.
M E T Soto
Nimmo LH bat
Soto LH bat
Duran LH bat
An entire outfield of LH bats?
Then there’s McNeil and Baty LH bats.
Ronny Mauricio RH bat is so bad he really is only a LH bat.
On the RH bats…
Mets 3 RH bat catchers don’t produce.
Pete Alonso is FA after the season.
Vientos is not hitting
TTaylor is not hitting.
Siri will not hit.
Mets need RH bat. Duran doesn’t fit.
What are you giving up for Duran?
Jett Williams and his RH bat?
So you had a lineup with 4/5 left handed bats. Isn’t that half? It’s not like Benge will probably be their center fielder next year with a left handed bat. I would give up Sproat and Williams for him. I could care less what side batters hit from if they are elite. It’s not like Soto and Nimmo aren’t two of the best left on left hitters in baseball.
I hope the Sox keep Duran. While his value is high, trading him only makes sense if the return is truly elite. Even with outfield depth, moving him now could hurt momentum and send the wrong message. I don’t like the trade idea, his ceiling is too valuable for the Sox right now if they want to win.
If he doesn’t get traded then someone will need to be benched, and Anthony would end up having to spend a lot of time at DH since abreu and Rafaela are gold glovers ON TOP of yoshida having to do something
They should at least move Rafaela to the middle infield
Rafaela is going to win a GG in center this year. Hes not moving to the infield.
His instincts are unbelievable.
Looks like they moved him to 2B for at least a game. I was very surprised.
Pirates have helpful pitchers and need controllable position players-they align nice whether it’s Duran or someone else depending on what arms RSox would covet.
I agree. Multiple scenarios here could be explored.
2 MLB starters not named Skenes,I would do it.
2 of the Pirates starters,Maybe a prospect and i would trade duran.anything less nope wouldn’t trade him.If you have a strength then someone will offer a boat load as they get anxious about if they have enough to win.
Not sure what SPs of Pitt you mean, but SPs in general now are top of food chain for trade value given scarcity. Keller for example is worth as much as almost anyone realistically available this deadline….more than an OF like Duran straight up.
Maybe 2-3 more Quinn Priesters?
I voted for Minnesota so they can have “Duran Duran” with Jhoan & Jarren
That could work for a deal involving Joe Ryan
You have come undone, Fernando.
I posted above, he only moves to second if down the stretch Mayer is not hitting and all the lefty OFers are and need to get at bats.
Reds could use him big time but they don’t have the cajones to make that trade.
Reds
Red sox would only move him for a top of the rotation mlb starting pitcher…nobody wanting to contend this year can afford that…sox have one of the best farms they dont need your prospects
Preller is on record saying the Padres need a bat or two, not a LF. Sheets has a 127 OPS+ since taking over F/T in LF. Padres have no need at that position unless that player has a bat that is a significant improvement over Sheets. Duran is not that player.
Strangely enough, Duran actually has better defensive stats in CF than LF. Speculation is that he sees the ball better off the bat in CF.
Padres don’t need Duran in CF. They have Merrill who is a plus defender and at his best is as good of a hitter as Duran. Not to mention 6 years younger and under more years of team control.
Have you ever seen Duran play? His intangibles are off the chart..
Have you ever seen Merrill play? His tangibles and intangibles are off the charts. 127 OPS+ in his rookie season with plus defense. The Red Sox would have to add prospects on top of Duran to a deal done for Merrill.
Pads, I agree with you there. I would not trade Merrill straight up for Duran.
Duran is a great defensive CF. The Padres have CF covered really well with Merrill for at least the next 4 seasons.
Come on you know better than that
Sheets has done a great job at the plate, but he is a DH. Duran would be a great upgrade, defensively over Sheets and lengthen the lineup considerably in the style that the Padres play.
Sheets is playing roughly league average defense in LF while hitting better than Duran. The Padres have no need in LF.
The Padres have said that they NEED a RHB. They need a bat with power. Duran is neither as good a hitter as Sheets has been for the Padres nor a RHB nor does he have good power.
Duran is a slightly above average LHB that has great speed and plays good OF defense. Duran is not a fit for the Padres. Rafaela would be a better one, but even less likely the Red Sox would trade him.
Very few fits out there. Taylor Ward maybe? Luis Robert if the White Sox are willing to pay all but a tiny portion of his remaining contract? Brent Rooker? That’s about it that might be available.
Sheets has shown he is a passable defensive LF. He has played average defense for a LF and has only really butchered one play. I think he is better than Profar on defense in LF and the Padres were comfortable going into the playoffs last season with Profar as the starting LF.
I think we have enough former Redsox players (Bogarts). If Duran is struggling with power in Boston what’s he gonna do in San Diego? His speed would be welcome and apparently a good auto mechanic (See Netflix “Clubhouse”) but agree Sheets is good enough and not the Pads problem. They need to move away from the ideas they are “one piece away” which have cratered our depth and farm.
Duran is very popular let him stay there.
The Sox won’t trade Duran unless it brings back meaningful help for this season. The Devers trade didn’t, it was just a salary dump, and the fans won’t stand a similar trade of Duran given that the Sox, despite being in fourth place, have a meaningful chance to make the playoffs. If one could conclude that Alcantara is an ace again, Miami might make sense, as even the Marlins could afford Duran.
Marlins could afford Duran but why.
Forget Alcantara
I agree that the Red Sox are not likely to move Duran unless it gives them an immediate boost in a couple of areas, the pen and the rotation.
While the Devers trade didn’t bring back immediate meaningful help on the field. it paid immediate dividends by getting Devers off the team. I don’t think it’s coincidental that the Red Sox are 5 games over .500 since he was traded.
DO NOT TRADE DURAN
Here is my simple blockbuster trade: The Reds trade Chase Burns for Duran. One for one. Easy peasy.
Not sure the Reds would go for that
What running meant was Chase Petty and Edwin Arroyo
Out of the named teams the ONLY one I see as a possibility are the Phillies.
1) Duran was drafted by Dombrowski when he was with the Red Sox and he didn’t trade him. That says a lot if Dombrowski won’t trade you as a prospect.
2) The Phillies could really use him
3) The Phillies are getting Nola back. They may pick up a swing man but Dombrowski really wants a guy I can see him dealing Abel and Painter to get Duran.
Abel AND Painter. Not seeing that.
If Sox are even marginally in the playoff race (which they are at the moment), I don’t see him getting traded. He is really the spark this team needs.
I see Wong getting traded.
Wong has a better chance of being DFA’d. He’s useless.
I didn’t say we would get much back. Wong was pretty good last year, when he played
This guy seems like the next Andrew Benntendi, so maybe he should go to the Royals where he can be good before someone overpays him to be a free agent bust.
The Braves.
The New York Mets should because Tyrone Taylor has proven himself a valuable outfielder but as a spare outfielder, and because Jose Siri is one big hack at the plate.
Padres get everybody available at all times. They will offer their entire farm system to get him, too.
Why would the sox accept anyone’s prospects they have arguably the best prospects already and no room to play them
“What’s a farm system?” – padres fan.
Yeah I think we call it a trade system.
I’d love to see the Reds go after him.
I seriously doubt he gets traded, unless it’s a haul.
Mariner don’t need a bat. Randy has been smoking the ball lately. Same with Calzone. Now Julio should be in the All-star Hr hitting contest, maybe he’ll find his HR swing, cuz for the last 30 games – HE’S lost it!
Click bait article by Deeds. Go figure.
If you clowns don’t stop this narrative, I will stop paying you to produce this horsecrap.
Duran. Isn’t. Going. Anywhere.
We are going to miss your $2.50/month. The threat is real.
Would love to see him with the Cardinals
Sox aren’t gonna move Duran unless someone offers an SP2 or SP3 with upside with a minimum of 2yrs control after this season… I dont know if that team exists. Abreu is far more likely to be the guy traded imo
A #2 with 2+ years of control is more valuable than Duran right now.
my vote is for the inevitable mystery team!
Scott Boras is here!
NONE, stop pushing this crap!
Jarren Duran entered Friday’s game with an OPS+ of 107 while the Seattle outfield had Randy Arozarena (133), Julio Rodriguez (102), Luke Raley (106) and Dominic Canzone (143).
Duran is no guaranteed upgrade.
Likewise, the Padres OF is Tatis, Merrill, and Gavin Sheets (OPS+ 114).
The Pads need a RH hitter with slug…DH or C
JD Martinez
Could DFA Iglesias and sign JDM.
JD seems like an obvious RH bat at DH, though GM Preller seems to be opposed to DHs who can’t also field a position.
Iglesias isn’t hitting, but he is the best IF utility guy they have. I’d DFA Bryce Johnson, Trenton Brooks, Tyler Wade, and one of or both of the catchers before Iglesias.
Iglesias seems to be their “feel good” guy. He is absolutely dismal at the plate. I would deep six him asap. There is no room on a contending team’s roster for a guy with a .550 OPS/57 OPS+ unless he is posting lights out +5-10 DRS defensive numbers which Iglesias definitely isn’t doing.
baseball-reference.com/players/i/iglesjo01.shtml#p…
baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/jose-iglesias…
He is below average on defense this season. 23rd percentile defense. -3 OAA.
@Pads Fan.
You may have mistaken my comment above to be an endorsement of Iglesias. It wasn’t.
I would DFA Iglesias too, along with the other 5 guys, but probably not before the other 5 guys. My point was that he’s the best IF utility option that they have on the current roster (I’m considering performance across recent years and not just this half-season), which says a lot about how bad the other guys I mentioned are doing. Or maybe you prefer Wade in the pecking order? Honestly, I’d rather see Mason McCoy.
But trying decide which Padres bench piece and catcher is better is like trying to pick a favorite among the Pontiac Aztek, AMC Gremlin, or the Ford Pinto
You got that one right Brew. As bad as he has been, he is better than the other Padres infield utility options.
Not quite sure why Campusano is not playing for the Padres as the DH/occasional 1B right now. He is a RHB, is one of the top hitters in all of AAA in OPS (#1) and wRC+ (#3), is hitting for average and power, and walking more than he strikes out. Not much more any player can do at the plate than he is. Did he take a leak on Shildt’s desk or something?
Yeah, Campusano didn’t need for the Padres to roster the two worst catchers in MLB to incite fans to beg for his return, instead he’s earned his ticket back to the show by his exceptional play in El Paso. Oddly if they bring him up ROS and he just hits .235 with .660 OPS, he’ll be applauded. Anything better than that will get him a bobblehead.
Was trying to understand how the takes by the writer could be so bad, so off-base, then I saw the name. Nick Deeds. Knew I could safely ignore everything after that.
Padres are not in the market for Duran, they are in the market for a BAT as Preller said. DH, LF, catcher, even SS. The Padres are looking for a RHB with power first and foremost. What position he plays is secondary.
Since Sheets moved to LF they do not have a hole there at all. In fact, they have a guy that has a 130 OPS+ since being moved to LF on a full time basis 30 games ago.
He’s just getting the info off the internet, misinformation click bait, and churning it into a story. There’s little critical thinking involved.
I thought the Dennis Lin article in the NY Times this morning about the Padres was a good one though. Recommended reading for Deeds.
The Red Sox are positioned as a WC team now, and 5 games behind the Jays for the division. They have better playoff odds than the Padres do, and certainly better than the Royals. They’re not sellers, and even if they were, Duran is a great piece under control to build around to regroup for 2026 and beyond.
As usual I was taken aback when reading some of the pap that Lin “writes”.
Langeliers is one of the worst defensive catchers in baseball. THE worst by DRS, in the 21st percentile on BP, and in the 43rd percentile on StatCast. The Padres have less than zero interest in him. Preller and Shildt both value defense greatly in a catcher and Shea is not their type of guy and there is no way that Preller has been inquiring about him or even vaguely interested in acquiring him.
On the other hand, Sean Murphy is exactly the kind of guy the team needs but would be extremely expensive to acquire in both prospect capital and salary. Plus, the Braves have made no indications he is available. His $15 million annual salaries through 2028 are so far beyond the $3 million max Preller has ever paid for a catcher that it stretches the imagination to even think that he would reach out to the Braves about Murphy. Why would Lin mention him?
Anyone that believed that Salas was even remotely available in trade has not been paying attention to what Preller has been saying and doing. During the AFL Preller said that Salas had all the game general skills and attributes to be a major league catcher today. That a guy that had just turned 18 a few months before was playing in the AFL was a huge sign. Preller repeated similar comments when asked during spring training. When asked during the offseason if it was possible that Salas could see time on the Padres roster in 2025 he said he could not rule that out. Salas is considered one of the most advanced players in the minor leagues and he started this season in AA while just 18 years old…AS A CATCHER. You have to go back to Pudge to find another 18-year-old catcher starting in AA. He was never on the trading block.
Everything that Lin wrote at the top of that article was simply and only clickbait. It had no basis in reality. Not even in speculation I have read elsewhere.
How about Boston doesn’t trade him?
Yes, especially since they are 5 games over .500
I was also about to mention that. Seems many writers are not up to date that the Red Sox are more likely buyers, not sellers.
Only way they trade him is if they’re packaging him for Joe Ryan.
Gonna have to attach that Story contract in a Duran trade. Its what the Red Sox do!
The Mets need at least one more shut down reliever, if not more.
None. Stay in Boston.
This team is cruising right now. They’ve been crushing the weak teams and last nights win was HUGE. I think OB said it during the broadcast that they would’ve lost that game a month ago. They’ve turned the corner and are stacking up w the return of Bregman.
All that said, there would need to be an earth shattering offer for them to move Duran. He has grown into a leader on this team. And honestly, I don’t see any realistic package that would justify Duran being traded. I’d love to see them get the closer from StL, but I think that trade could be had w some prospects.
swan – You have no concerns about the anemic offense for 6 innings against Bradley? Or that 3 of the 4 runs were scored off a guy who had no business being on the mound?
BTW – O’Brien seriously has some issues he’s dealing with, every day he says multiple things that are ridiculously false and completely nonsensical..
Literally every day.
“The Rockies put up 20 runs in a game last year here in Fenway”.
No Dave, that game was in Colorado. They rotate the interleague sites every year.
“That guy eating a hotdog could give Joey Chitwood a run for his money”.
No Dave, Joey Chitwood is a deceased stuntman and racecar driver. You’re thinking of Joey Chestnut.
“Well I never heard anything about Devers being told to put away his glove”.
Dave you’re the Red Sox play-by-play guy and you’re saying you didn’t know Cora publicly stated Raffy would not play even one game this season as a fill-in for Bregman?
And one of my all-time favorites:
“The Reds are wearing #14 on their sleeve in honor of Dave Parker”.
No Dave, #14 is Pete Rose who also passed away.
OB is a little too young to be going full John Sterling, hope he’s okay.
This is a pointless story without talking about what the returns would be.
Boston has 4 very good OFs for 3 spots, so people assume they NEED to move one. The only way they move one is if it makes them better NOW, not for a package of prospects. They are going to get a top of the rotation starter or they are going to rotate the 4 OFs and deal with that in the off season.
From that list neither SD or Hou can fill that need. KC could build a package around Kris Bubic and Phi could be interesting, they probably wouldn’t offer Painter, but they could offer Mick Abel and some other good prospects. Bos could then flip one or two of those (or their own) to another team for a SP.
Personally I hope they could work something out with Min for Joe Ryan or trade for a huge prospect package and then flip some of those for the SP they need.
Bottom line is Bos has all the power because they have possibly the best trade chip at this years deadline and don’t need to trade him unless it makes them better in 2025 and beyond.
Package Duran, Casas, Gonzales, Crawford and Criswell for Heaney, Jones and a bullpen piece
If Boston could expand it a little and get Bubba Chandler that would be huge
I wouldn’t mind the mariners trying him out for RF and moving raley to 1b permanently. Giving up a top 70 prospect in celestin and mid level arm in Rizzi would prolly make the trade happen. M’s are loaded on middle infielders and by time celestin makes bigs, story’s contract will have expired.
Duran fits well for the Reds. Seems like the OF has been the Wheel of No-Fortune for Cincy other than Friedl…he would help Elly and TJ in the first 3 spots, but it would cost the Reds and I’m not sure ownership will pay the price.
Padres really don’t match up with Boston at all. Not happening. Who on SD makes sense for Boston?
The Red Sox benefit most by keeping him, unless they get a surefire #2 starting pitcher to slot behind Crochet.
That will probably not happen. I’m fine if it doesn’t.
I agree with most, you don’t trade him unless its for a number 1 or 2 starter with control. Any team is only an injury or two away from not being so deep. Keep it rolling, the real test will be after the break. This team has a different vibe for sure. I have confidence they can come back and hold late in games….confidence I didn’t have earlier this year.
Does anyone else think Julio Rodriguez or Arozarena should of made the Allstar selection over Rafaela? When is the kid going to get his due!
Once he stopped chasing and swings at good pitches he been on fire! still young and complete athlete with more power to come as he gets stronger,,,,he will be one of the best in base ball!
“Adding Duran, then, could upgrade the club both offensively and defensively” is a horrible sentence. “Then” adds nothing and shouldn’t be removed.