Red Sox trade pitch solves overcrowding problem by moving 3.9 WAR star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox are facing one of the most obvious reasons for a trade to happen: Overcrowding.
Advertisement
They have too many outfielders.
On the one hand, it’s a good problem to have. It’s always good to have talent and depth.
But on the other hand, if everyone stays healthy, talented players are on the outside looking in. And those talented players, in the right kind of trade, can turn into additions at positions where there is much more need.
MORE:Â The new Stranger Things character was also an MLB All Star with the Brewers
That’s why Jarren Duran continues to be pitched as a trade candidate.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand is the latest to do so, circling Duran as the most likely Boston player to be traded.
Advertisement
“Boston’s outfield is overcrowded to say the least, with Duran joining Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu as starting options,” Feinsand writes. “Duran is under club control for three more seasons, and while he took a step backward after his breakout 2024 campaign, Duran still posted a 3.9 fWAR in 2025, hitting 16 home runs with 84 RBIs and a league-high 13 triples.”
MORE:Â You have to see Tyrese Maxey at the National Dog Show
That list of Anthony, Rafaela and Abreu doesn’t even account for a couple talented prospects close to the majors, or the fact that Boston’s DH position may be crowded, too.
The Red Sox are thought to desire more pitching, even after getting Sonny Gray in a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Advertisement
A team with pitching surplus could bet on Duran returning to his peak form in 2026. And if that’s a bet another team is willing to make, then the Red Sox could turn their talented outfielder into a strong arm for their staff.
More news: