Jarren Duran has once again been at the center of trade discussions as the Boston Red Sox look to strengthen their pitching staff ahead of the trade deadline. The team is reportedly willing to part with the athletic outfielder in a potential deal that could bring in a veteran starting pitcher, highlighting their desire to improve the rotation for the stretch run.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently identified the Kansas City Royals as a possible destination for Duran. Boston might target right-handed starter Seth Lugo, a dependable pitcher whose strong season performance has drawn significant attention.
Why Seth Lugo Fits Boston’s Needs
Seth Lugo boasts a 6-5 record with a 2.94 ERA over 107 innings in 18 starts this year, making him an appealing option for the Red Sox. At 35 years old, Lugo holds a $15 million player option for 2026 but is expected to enter free agency after this season.
Although Boston values Duran’s potential and team control for three more years, a straightforward swap for Lugo is unlikely.
If [the Royals] trade right-hander Seth Lugo, they will want controllable outfield help in return,
Rosenthal explained. The Royals are attracted to Duran’s athleticism and his extended contract control.
The Red Sox would not trade Duran for a pitcher who likely would amount to a rental, but the Royals could sweeten the deal with prospects, and teams are targeting their young catching, in particular.
This interest in catchers aligns with Boston’s current situation behind the plate, where Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong share duties. Narvaez, despite a solid 111 OPS+, leads the majors in errors among catchers, making him more suitable as a backup or secondary option. Similarly, Wong’s -0.6 fWAR in 36 games reflects challenges in consistent production.
The Red Sox could gain a much-needed frontline starter like Lugo, who would slot well behind ace Garrett Crochet as a key Game 2 starter in a playoff scenario. Furthermore, Lugo already shares connections within the Boston clubhouse.
For what it’s worth, Red Sox manager Alex Cora is familiar with Lugo,
Rosenthal noted, adding that
Cora was the GM for Team Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Lugo was one of the pitchers on that squad.
The Reality Behind the Trade Rumors Surrounding Duran
While talk of a Jarren Duran trade has grown louder, Boston remains cautious. The franchise is still recovering from last year’s Rafael Devers trade to the San Francisco Giants and acknowledged that trading Duran would require an offer of significant value.
To be clear: There’s little reason for Boston to even entertain offers for Duran unless the return is substantial,
The Athletic’s reporters emphasized, highlighting Duran’s team control through the 2028 season and his long-term value.
Of course, even with a sudden influx of stud prospects joining the lineup, the Red Sox could continue to build around him, too.
Besides the Royals, teams such as the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest. ESPN’s Jeff Passan pointed to the Cincinnati Reds as another strong potential trade partner for Duran.
If the Red Sox deal Duran to Cincinnati, they might pursue All-Star left-hander Andrew Abbott in return. However, there are concerns about whether Abbott fits Boston’s desired profile for a frontline starter.
Andrew Abbott is putting up the sorts of numbers that Boston is seeking from a starter,
Passan observed, adding,
But with a fastball at 92 mph, he doesn’t scream front-of-the-rotation guy.
Implications for the Red Sox Moving Forward
The ongoing speculation involving Jarren Duran highlights Boston’s clear intention to reinforce their pitching staff as the trade deadline approaches. While Duran remains a key asset with multiple seasons of control, the Red Sox are evaluating how to maximize his trade value for pitching depth.
Any deal involving Duran could significantly reshape Boston’s roster, either by enhancing their rotation or by providing a pipeline of prospects to strengthen the team long term. Manager Alex Cora’s familiarity with potential acquisitions like Lugo adds confidence to such strategic moves.
As MLB’s trade deadline nears, the Red Sox’s willingness to explore options involving Duran reflects the organization’s commitment to building a competitive roster capable of contending in the postseason.