The MLB trade market has been buzzing ever since the offseason began. The Cincinnati Reds lost one of their top targets when the Los Angeles Angels dealt Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles back in November. The Texas Rangers and New York Mets made a major swap earlier this winter as well, when Brandon Nimmo and Marcus Semien traded places.

But on Thursday night, the Boston Red Sox — who already acquired Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals — shipped one of their top prospects to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-handed pitcher Johan Oveido as part of a five-player deal.

Jhostynxon Garcia, a name few baseball fans can pronounce, is headed to the Pirates and some will now wonder if Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu are still available in a trade. Garcia was Boston’s top outfield prospect and had a cup of coffee with the Red Sox in 2025. Without him, the Red Sox’s depth take a hit.

Reds can’t let Red Sox surprise trade with Pirates take Jarren Duran off the board

It’s no secret that Cincinnati is looking to add some pop to the middle of their lineup this offseason. At the moment, all eyes throughout Reds Country are focused on the team’s unexpected pursuit of Kyle Schwarber. While most MLB experts and pundits still believe Schwarber will return to the Philadelphia Phillies, there’s a chance he could return to his roots in the Cincinnati area.

If the Reds, however, fail to lure Schwarber back to the Queen City, they need to turn their attention to the Red Sox and their outfield duo of Duran and Abreu. While Reds fans will bicker back and forth about who’s the better fit, the fact is that either player is an upgrade over what Cincinnati has on the current roster.

From Boston’s perspective, Duran is more likely to be moved, and his left-handed swing would fit perfectly with what the Reds are seeking this offseason. The price tag to acquire Duran, however, is thought to be relatively steep, as the Red Sox are basing their desired return off Duran’s 2024 performance (6.8 fWAR) rather than the player he was in 2025 (3.9 fWAR).

The Reds have to find a way to upgrade their lineup, and if they’re not going to break the bank for Schwaber, trading for Duran could be viewed as a fine alternative at a much cheaper price.