Among all of the other offseason discourse, a question looms large: “What’s the best thing to do about Jarren Duran?” The Sox just came to an agreement on a new salary number with him, but there’s still a definite chance he gets traded away. Would keeping him make more sense, or would trading him be the better idea?
There are pros and cons to both. Duran does have a very devoted fanbase that would be devastated if he left. He brings a lot of fire and heart to the team, and the celebratory Wally Head (who has opted for free agency) was his idea. When he’s good, he’s phenomenal.
But Duran wasn’t up to his All-Star form last year compared to 2024, and it showed. He stole significantly fewer bases this past season than the season before, which was odd given how renowned he is for his speed. His outfield defense continues to improve in certain ways, but was lackluster at key moments. And while the club likes to talk about him being a “leader”, it’s not especially evident what his leadership style is, or how that has benefited the rest of the team.
So we can hope 2025 was an “off” year and that 2026 will see a more vintage Duran. Trading him, however, could yield pieces the team needs. The Red Sox outfield is already overcrowded, and of all the outfielders to trade, Duran is your best (and maybe only) option, aside from possibly Masataka Yoshida, who barely played in the outfield at all last season and doesn’t have much trade value anyway. Craig Breslow just said he’s not focusing on four-and-five starters, but trading Duran for a mid-rotation starter could be a great idea. A new bullpen piece would also benefit the team. It may be harder to trade Duran for someone with more slug, but that’s what the front office can use the free agency pool for.
It’s a gamble either way, because you have to bet on Duran either being better next year, or whoever the Sox trade Duran for being worth it. Personally, I’m kind of indifferent. After this past season, I only want him back on the team if he’s going to be better, at least offensively. But what do you think the team should do?