Dodgers Trade Idea Involves Acquiring Red Sox's Jarren Duran for Top Prospects

Rymer points to the Dodgers' lackluster production in left field, an accumulative minus-0.5 rWAR, and a .672 OPS at the position as a reason to acquire Duran. The former All-Star outfielder would also slide in at the top of the Los Angeles lineup, provide power, and be an elite table-setter for reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani.

Duran is also under team control until 2028, giving the Dodgers a core of Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and Teoscar Hernandez through the 2027 season.

Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reported on Tuesday that Boston, although willing to field calls for Duran, is asking for close-to-MLB-ready pitching. Rymer’s trade package meets their asking price.

Headlined by Dalton Rushing, the key to the deal is left-hander Jackson Ferris. 

Although only at Double-A, Ferris is just 21 years old and the Dodgers' number one pitching prospect after earning the organization's Pitcher of the Year award in 2024, after placing third in the Minors among pitchers age 20 or younger with 145 strikeouts in 126 2/3 innings and finishing the season with a 2.54 ERA in seven Double-A starts. 

With a fastball sitting comfortably in the mid-90s and a four-pitch repertoire, it should take little time for Ferris to make his Major League debut.

Rounding out the return is 18-year-old shortstop Emil Morales, who possesses plus power but is not expected to reach the majors until 2029.

On the downside, Rymer believes the Dodgers' desire for another outfielder is not a need but more of a want. Los Angeles is likely looking to improve their starting pitching with Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki all on the injured list, and if a similar package can land a top-tier arm, they will jump at the chance.

Boston also may not want to add Rushing, another left-handed hitter, to their lineup. The Red Sox would also need to find a position for him, and right now, Carlos Narvaez is cemented at catcher, and top prospect Roman Anthony would assume the absence left by Duran.