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Former MLB GM Reveals Reason Red Sox Are Discussing Jarren Duran Trades

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 6:50 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox and Jarren Duran have been at the center of trade rumors for a while now. With the deadline less than two weeks away, more trade rumors are propping up with Duran and teams around baseball.

According to former MLB general manager Jim Bowden in The Athletic, the Red Sox are discussing Duran trades with multiple teams. Bowden also revealed why Boston is listening to those offers for Duran ahead of the deadline.

"The Red Sox have been discussing Jarren Duran with several teams," Bowden writes, "not because they necessarily want to trade him but because they like the outfield of Wilyer Abreu in right, Ceddane Rafaela in center, and Roman Anthony in left field, and Duran should not be a full-time DH at his age."

Duran isn't on the market because the Red Sox want to get rid of him, but rather, the current lineup doesn't have a good long-term spot for him.

Roman Anthony was the top prospect in baseball before being called up, and he's not going anywhere. Ceddane Rafaela has been on fire lately, with a .949 OPS in the 40 games since the beginning of June.

Wilyer Abreu, on the other hand, while not as prominent as the other two, has won a Gold Glove in right field and has 20 home runs on the season through 86 games.

Duran, an All-Star in 2024, hasn't been nearly as good as he was a year ago. His 114 OPS+ is 20 percent worse than his OPS+ a year ago (134). He's still above-average and has been highly sought after since becoming available.

The Red Sox aren't looking to trade Duran simply; they're looking to parlay him into upgrades elsewhere on the roster. Moving Duran for a starting pitcher and/or a first baseman would be the ideal outcome for Boston.

With plenty of teams interested in him, the Red Sox could surely find a team willing to give up plenty for Duran. He's under team control through 2028, likely increasing his trade value significantly.

Duran is being discussed by the Red Sox in trade talks due to the team's crowded outfield. Instead of keeping him on the roster, moving him for help elsewhere is the best way to utilize his value to the team in 2025 and beyond.

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

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