With the MLB trade deadline only ten days away, the playoff race remains intense and crowded, despite Detroit being the only team to surpass 60 wins so far. Amid this competitive environment, the Boston Red Sox are preparing to be buyers, with attention focused on outfielder Jarren Duran as a potential trade chip.
Following the surprising trade of Rafael Devers last month, Boston’s chief baseball officer Craig Breslow expressed optimism about the team’s future, noting,
“I do think there’s a real chance that at the end of the season, we’re looking back and we’ve won more games than we otherwise would’ve.”
—Craig Breslow, Chief Baseball Officer
Since moving Devers, the Red Sox have posted a 17-11 record, climbing to the third wild-card spot in the American League. Despite past middling moves at previous trade deadlines, such as acquiring catcher Danny Jansen and reliever Lucas Sims, Boston appears intent on making a more impactful push to reinforce the roster. Key needs include adding at least one right-handed hitter and securing a frontline starting pitcher beyond Garrett Crochet.
Trade Targets Highlight Boston’s Immediate Needs
Boston still lacks a true power bat after trading Devers, and Marcell Ozuna, despite an uneven season, is seen as a suitable slugger to fill that void. First baseman Ryan O’Hearn and Diamondbacks starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly also fit the type of players Boston might pursue. However, with many teams targeting similar players, competition will be fierce, and Boston may have to offer substantial returns to secure a deal.
Meanwhile, Jarren Duran, 28, has emerged as a notable name linked to trade rumors. His .257/.322/.427 slash line this season has drawn interest from multiple contenders, including the San Diego Padres. A Padres scout has reportedly attended every Red Sox home game for the past three weeks, focusing on Duran, who could fill the Padres’ left field gap. Whether San Diego can offer assets attractive enough to Boston remains uncertain, but Padres head of baseball operations A.J. Preller has a reputation for persistence in trade negotiations, suggesting Boston will give serious consideration to any proposal.
Minnesota Twins Consider Moving Reliever Jhoan Duran
In a separate development involving a player with a similar surname, the Minnesota Twins are weighing a potential trade for reliever Jhoan Duran. The Twins, underperforming this season amid inconsistent play and financial limitations, may opt for a softer sell. Duran, with a sterling 1.62 ERA over 44⅓ innings and two years of team control remaining, could fetch a significant return.
Additionally, position players Willi Castro and Harrison Bader are also reportedly available for trade, potentially bringing back Triple-A talent. Starter Joe Ryan has been mentioned in trade talks but remains a cornerstone of the Twins, making a move unlikely given his strong performances and ongoing contractual control.
Playoff Hopefuls Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks Face Critical Weeks
Outside the playoffs but close to wild-card positions, both the Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks find themselves within five games of contention. The coming week is expected to influence their trade deadline strategies significantly. The Reds, boasting a young roster with emerging stars, acknowledge the need for a stronger bat to be serious contenders in their tough division.
An insider remarked,
“This week will say a lot.”
—source close to the Reds organization
The Diamondbacks, on a four-game winning streak entering Monday, are also poised at a crossroads. General manager Mike Hazen’s approach will depend on the team’s standing by week’s end. Though the D-backs could become sellers, including potentially trading NL home run leader Eugenio Suárez, they are unlikely to shed key talent if a playoff push remains viable. Hazen is noted for his willingness to either aggressively pursue success or strategically pivot away from the season based on developments.
Implications and Outlook for the MLB Trade Deadline
As the trade deadline nears, the Boston Red Sox’s intentions to buy, combined with their willingness to consider trading Jarren Duran, underscore a complex balancing act between immediate competitiveness and long-term roster construction. For contenders like the Padres, acquiring Duran could be a crucial step to shore up their outfield. Meanwhile, the Twins may capitalize on a high trade value for Jhoan Duran to rebuild under financial pressure, and the Reds and Diamondbacks face pivotal moments that could define their postseason hopes or trigger roster shakeups.
The coming days promise intense negotiations as teams make bold decisions that will reverberate through the final month of the season and beyond. Front offices, led by figures like Breslow in Boston and Preller in San Diego, will navigate difficult choices in pursuit of playoff success, making this trade deadline one of the most dynamic in recent years.