One of the Philadelphia Phillies’ primary offseason objectives is improving production from one—or ideally both—corner outfield positions. Much of that hinges on moving Nick Castellanos and the final $20 million remaining on his contract. The next question is whether Philadelphia will address the vacancy through free agency or the trade market. Both remain viable, but early signs suggest more potential movement via trades.

According to MLB insiders Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel, two realistic trade-market targets are Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins and Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox. Each represents a different path for Philadelphia, balancing cost, risk, and upside.

Jarren Duran: Affordable Upside

Jarren Duran is a lower-cost, manageable-risk option. The 29-year-old outfielder recently signed a one-year deal for $7.75 million with a modest bonus structure to avoid arbitration, making him an affordable acquisition should the Phillies go that direction. He also had two-years of arbitration eligibility remaining before becoming a free agent.

As far as trade value, that leans more on his breakout 2024 season than his 2025 performance. In 2024, Duran slashed .285/.342/.492 with 48 doubles, 14 triples, 21 home runs, and 34 stolen bases, earning an All-Star nod. In 2025, he hit .256 with 16 homers, 41 doubles, 13 triples, and 24 stolen bases over 157 games. While slightly down from 2024, Duran still offers speed, extra-base power, and outfield versatility, making him an attractive buy-low candidate for a team in a win-now window like the Phillies.

Byron Buxton: High Upside, Higher Risk

Byron Buxton presents a higher-risk, higher-reward option. His combination of power, speed, and elite defense makes him a tantalizing fit for Philadelphia. Reports suggest Buxton is willing to waive his no-trade clause, increasing the likelihood of a deal this offseason.

Buxton’s contract runs through 2028 with an average annual value of just $15.14 million. While more expensive than Duran, he offers star-level talent when healthy. His injury history is a concern, as he has missed significant time in recent seasons, but the upside — a player capable of impacting games offensively and defensively — could justify the risk for a Phillies team positioned to contend now.

Winter Meetings Could Be Decisive

With the winter meetings approaching, Philadelphia’s outfield situation is likely to take center stage. Castellanos’ eventual departure will open the door for a major addition. Duran provides a lower-cost, manageable-risk option with upside based on his 2024 season, while Buxton offers star-level talent with some health risks.

The Phillies enter the meetings with movable assets, (some) payroll flexibility, and a clear championship window. Whether targeting a buy-low candidate like Duran or swinging for the high-reward profile of Buxton, Philadelphia appears poised to make a move that could reshape its corner outfield and influence its postseason trajectory.