The Philadelphia Phillies will be looking for outfield help near the trade deadline. Boston Red Sox All-Star Jarren Duran could help them make a deep run in October.
The Red Sox have gotten calls on Duran. He is slashing .273/.318/.424 and leads the league in triples. However, he may be the odd man out in Boston. Unlike his fellow outfielders Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, he does not have a long-term extension signed. The Red Sox are going to have to make some kind of move in the outfield in order to get the top prospect in baseball, Roman Anthony, called up.
Outside of Nick Castellanos, the Phillies’ outfielders have simply not produced offensively this year. Johan Rojas, Brandon Marsh and Max Kepler could all be replaced near the July 31 deadline. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed this trade that would bring Duran to the Phillies:
- Phillies receive: Jarren Duran
- Red Sox receive: Andrew Painter and Eduardo Tait
“Given Painter’s very real upside as a No. 1 starting pitcher, this would be a true ‘all-in’ trade for the Phillies,” wrote Rymer. “Knowing how short their contention window is getting, they should arguably be looking to do exactly that sort of deal before July 31.”
Duran has been great for the Red Sox, but the reality is that the team is likely viewing Anthony as one of the pillars of their franchise for years to come. With Rafaela and Abreu already signed, Duran has the highest trade value and most reason to be dealt. He would be an upgrade at the plate and could help carry the Phillies past the New York Mets and through October.
He can change games with his athleticism as well. He led baseball in triples last year and already has six this year. He has stolen 13 bases and could become a key player for the Phillies for years to come. He has an $8 million club option for next season and will be a free agent in 2029. Spotrac projects him to earn a six-year, $123 million deal on the open market.
