As the July trade deadline inches closer, the Boston Red Sox find themselves in a familiar spot, caught between buying and selling. But one name stands out as a trade chip that could shift the balance and that is Jarren Duran.
The 28-year-old outfielder is having a quiet season, hitting .274 with four home runs, 35 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases over 70 games. His .746 OPS is the lowest it’s been since 2022. With top prospect Roman Anthony tearing up Triple-A and a few glaring holes in the roster, now might be the right time for Boston to move Duran while his value is high.
That’s not to say Duran hasn’t earned his place; he has. But that’s precisely what makes him still valuable in a market where teams like the Padres, Phillies, and Guardians are actively seeking outfield help.
Jarren Duran’s Stock Is On Decline
The advanced metrics suggest Duran’s production could be trending in the wrong direction. His expected slugging has dipped to .424, and his xwOBA sits at just .300. Even his barrel rate, a key measure of consistent hard contact, has slipped to 8.5% after finishing at 9.4% in 2023. These aren’t massive red flags, but they are enough to question whether Duran’s peak value is now.
With Roman Anthony knocking on the door and a farm system in need of replenishment in key positions, Boston could flip Duran for a major-league-ready arm or a high-upside infielder.
The Red Sox aren’t out of the postseason picture but far from a finished product. Moving Duran now, while his value is good, could be the kind of forward-thinking decision that helps bridge the gap between mediocrity and contention.
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If Boston wants to build a well-rounded roster and make a legitimate postseason push in 2025 and beyond, it might be time to make the tough call and deal from a position of strength.
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