Boston Red Sox’s Jarren Duran slides home to score on an error after Vaughn Grissom hit a double in the third inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are rich in starting pitching and need outfield help. The Boston Red Sox have outfield depth but will be looking to add to their starting rotation.
Seems like a good match, no?
Two outfielders in particular good be of interest to the Pirates — Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran.
Abreu just finished his third season with the Red Sox and slashed .247/.317/.469 with 17 doubles, 22 home runs and 69 RBI. Defensively, the 26-year-old won his second consecutive Gold Glove award after posting 15 defensive runs saved in right field.
Duran, meanwhile, totaled 157 games and led the American League with 13 triples. He slashed .256/.332/.442 with 41 doubles, 16 home run, a career-high 84 RBI and 26 stolen bases. Like Abreu, Duran provided solid defense with 11 DRS in 139 games in left field and played 28 games in center.
Abreu is not scheduled for arbitration until after next season, whereas Duran and the Red Sox have already agreed to a $7.7 million salary for 2026. The 29-year-old won’t become a free agent until after the 2028 season.
Either player would present a clear upgrade in one of the corner outfield spots next to Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz in center field.
Given that Abreu is younger, cheaper and has an extra year of contractual control, he will probably require a bigger return than Duran, but the Pirates have enough to get a trade done for either if Boston is willing to engage. Of the two, Duran seems the more likely of the two to get moved this offseason.
Mitch Keller is heavily speculated as a trade target this offseason and could be of interest to the Red Sox given they have a need in their starting rotation. In addition to Keller, the Pirates have a handful of promising young arms they could be willing to part with in search of outfield upgrades including Mike Burrows and Braxton Ashcraft.
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