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Jeff Passan Reveals Lackluster Red Sox Trade Deadline Plans

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 1:52 PM ET

Sitting at 54-49, the Boston Red Sox could look to make big moves at the trade deadline. With the focus on adding a starting pitcher, the Red Sox could be a significant factor at the trade deadline.

However, according to ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, the Red Sox might be in line for a lackluster trade deadline. Even though the team could add a star in the rotation, Passan thinks otherwise.

"At this moment," Passan wrote. "The Red Sox are not inclined to engage in any large-scale deadline moves."

Not making any large-scale moves would mean that top trade asset Jarren Duran would be unlikely to be moved at the deadline. Despite the strong interest from around the league, Duran may not be traded.

One of the main reasons for the Red Sox not making large-scale moves is due to the market inefficiency this year. With a lot of teams looking to buy, the market isn't suitable for buying players at reasonable prices.

A high-end starter, the top need for the Red Sox, would cost a lot. Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins would be an excellent pickup for Boston, but he'd cost a lot of assets, something the team might not be willing to do.

Going through the MLB trade deadline without making any big moves would be a lackluster outcome for the Red Sox. After Rafael Devers was traded, many other Red Sox players were mentioned in trade rumors.

Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and even Alex Bregman have all been rumored to be on the trade block at some point this season. But after the team got hot, none of those players, even Duran, are expected to go.

This report from Passan indicates that barring an incredible offer from Duran, the Red Sox won't move him. Trading Duran would be a large-scale move, and if Boston doesn't make such a move, Duran is likely to stay.

If Passan's scenario plays out, it will be a lackluster trade deadline for Craig Breslow and the Red Sox. Instead, the offseason could be the time of change in Boston.

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

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