MLB insider shares what Red Sox want in a trade for Jarren Duran

Jarren Duran’s title has been on the heart of commerce rumors all offseason, however the Crimson Sox are setting a excessive bar to maneuver him.

Boston is searching for a “front-of-the-rotation” beginning pitcher in a commerce for Duran, ESPN’s Jeff Passan shared in a social media post. Nonetheless, Passan added that “no staff” has been keen to supply such a pitcher for the Crimson Sox’ outfielder at this level.

There have been just a few groups speculated as potential candidates to land Duran in a commerce this offseason. The Royals have gave the impression to be the staff most linked to Duran in commerce talks, with MLB.com’s Anne Rogers reporting in November that Kansas Metropolis thought Boston’s asking value was “too excessive.” It was later reported by The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal that the Royals have been “beneath the impression” they’d have to surrender All-Star pitcher Cole Ragans for Duran.

If traded, Duran would arguably be one of many high hitters moved this offseason. The 29-year-old had a reasonably strong yr after being named an All-Star for the primary time in 2024, hitting .256 with a .774 OPS, 16 residence runs, and 84 RBIs in 157 video games. He was additionally third within the American League in doubles (41), led the American League in triples (13), and had 24 stolen bases.

However Passan later famous that groups are nonetheless putting a excessive worth on pitchers across the league, particularly after among the trades made this offseason.

“Contemplating the return the Rays obtained on Shane Baz, groups are going to be that rather more emboldened to cost beginning pitchers very aggressively, even with the paucity of fine bats left past the very high of the free agent market,” Passan added.

The commerce Passan is referring to is the deal the Orioles made to get Baz earlier in December, surrendering 4 prospects and a draft choose. Within the deal, the Rays obtained two of the Orioles’ top-10 prospects, per MLB Pipeline, for a pitcher who logged a 4.87 ERA final season. Final offseason, the Crimson Sox gave up a pair of top-100 prospects (Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery) with a view to get Garrett Crochet from the White Sox.

In fact, the Crimson Sox don’t essentially must commerce Duran this offseason. He’s beneath staff management for 3 extra seasons, agreeing to a one-year, $7.7 million deal for the 2026 season in November to keep away from going to arbitration.

However the Crimson Sox are nonetheless coping with a little bit of a logjam within the outfield, even after Rob Refsnyder’s determination to signal with the Mariners. Roman Anthony figures to be an on a regular basis outfielder, whereas Crimson Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow told reporters earlier this week that the staff desires Ceddanne Rafaela in heart subject. Supervisor Alex Cora has additionally expressed a need for Wilyer Abreu to get more opportunities to hit against lefties, leaving little room for an additional outfielder to be part of the combination.

Nonetheless, The Boston Globe‘s Tim Healey not too long ago reported that Breslow is comfy retaining Duran and the opposite three outfielders on the Crimson Sox’ roster come Opening Day.

“Now we have to hear as a result of it will be, I believe, irresponsible to not,” Breslow informed reporters on the Winter Conferences earlier in December. “However the bar we’re going to carry is absolutely excessive, as a result of every of these guys is able to contributing a number of wins to our staff.”