Breaking News: Red Sox Engage in Intense Negotiations for Star Outfielder Brings Chaos Between…
It appears Kenley Jansen isn’t the only member of the Boston Red Sox whose name has come up in trade discussions this winter.
The Red Sox and San Diego Padres have held trade discussions centered around outfielder Jarren Duran, FanSided’s Robert Murray reported on The Baseball Insiders (11:50 mark). However, nothing is imminent, Murray added.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Thursday that the Red Sox continue to field offers on Jansen and that the Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers are potential landing spots.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi also reported L.A.’s potential interest in a reunion with the veteran closer, adding that the Philadelphia Phillies could be among the suitors.
As for Duran, Heyman reported Thursday that teams around Major League Baseball are asking about the 27-year-old. He added that the are Padres a suitor because San Diego needs a left handed hitting outfielder.
The Padres are in need of some outfield help after trading Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the New York Yankees this offseason. Both were left handed hitters and their departures leave San Diego with Fernando Tatis Jr. and José Azocar in the outfield.
The Red Sox enter 2024 with a deep outfield group that includes Duran, Masataka Yoshida, who has also been included in trade rumors, Tyler O’Neill, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela and Rob Refsnyder.
Boston’s No. 2 ranked prospect (per MLB.com) is Roman Anthony, who is also an outfielder. He’s on track to break into the league in 2025.
That said, Duran has the potential to be the best outfielder in Boston in 2024 and beyond.
The 27-year-old had a breakout season in 2023, hitting .295/.346/.482 with eight home runs and 40 RBI in 102 games before being ruled out for the remainder of the year in August with a toe injury. He also posted 24 stolen bases in 26 attempts and recorded 44 extra-base hits.
Duran has five more seasons of team control before becoming a free agent after the 2028 campaign.
Given his performance and the term remaining on his contract, it’s possible his asking price could be on the higher side. However, it’s unclear what the Red Sox would be looking for in exchange for the outfielder.