Red Sox Near Trade Deal for Outfielder Jarren Duran Amid Roster Overhaul

The Boston Red Sox face a roster dilemma with the impending return of Alex Bregman, which may force them to trade an outfielder to address needs at first base and in the starting rotation. Jarren Duran, a 28-year-old All-Star coming off a breakout 2024 season, is the most likely trade candidate due to his age relative to younger outfield prospects like Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu. The Padres have shown particular interest in Duran, although a trade could be complicated by Boston's demand for starting pitching in return, which San Diego currently lacks. The Red Sox's youth movement is evident with top prospects like Roman Anthony debuting, and the team is looking to build around younger, cheaper talent, potentially replacing Duran eventually with prospects such as Sean Gamble. A proposed trade scenario includes sending Duran along with top prospects to the Braves in exchange for former Red Sox star Chris Sale, highlighting Boston's urgency to improve their rotation. Overall, Boston is positioned as a seller at the trade deadline, aiming to leverage Duran's high value to strengthen key roster areas while embracing a youth-focused rebuild.