Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

$21 Million Red Sox Ace Predicted to Be Traded Ahead of Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 11:20 AM ET

After acquiring Garrett Crochet and Alex Bregman during the offseason, the Boston Red Sox entered 2025 with lofty expectations.

However, after a subpar record three months into the 2025 MLB season, the organization is rumored to be open to selling some pieces. Among them is outfielder Jaren Duran, for whom the San Diego Padres have an interest, according to Denis Lin of The Athletic.

If the Red Sox are indeed open to trading Duran, CBS Sports’ Matt Snyder believes the team should be open to moving multiple additional players. Among them is starting pitcher Walker Buehler.

Buehler signed a one-year, $21 million deal with the Red Sox last offseason. However, he has a mutual option for the 2026 season worth $25 million. Snyder points to most mutual options not being picked up as a primary reason to capitalize on Buehler’s early-season success.

Erasing his last start, Buehler tossed 31.2 innings while striking out 29 batters and totaling a 2.56 ERA in the previous six starts. He may not be the ace he once was, but Buehler can add the finishing touch to a playoff contender’s starting rotation.

While Snyder does not list teams, it is hard to imagine Buehler not gaining significant interest closer to the July 31 trade deadline. His former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, could be a prime re-acquisition candidate, with Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki all on the injured list.

Another potential trade partner is the Padres. Sitting just behind the Dodgers in the National League West, San Diego could use rotation help with Joe Musgrave out for the season with Tommy John Surgery, and Dylan Cease posting a 4.66 ERA thus far in 2025

Determining if the Red Sox will be buyers or sellers may come sooner than expected. With nine of their next 12 games against American League East opponents, including six against the New York Yankees, Boston may learn their fate over the next two weeks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: