The Boston Red Sox are still trying to make moves to bolster their roster ahead of next season. The organization added one big bat in the form of Willson Contreras via trade, but it’s going to take more than that to be a World Series contender.
Craig Breslow also has to address the outfield logjam by moving on from one of his veterans as Roman Anthony and Ceddanne Rafaela aren’t going to be moved. Sammy James of the “Play Tessie” podcast is predicting the Red Sox trade Jarren Duran for closer Mason Miller.
“The Padres want Jarren Duran, this is no secret,” James wrote on X after the episode was released. “The Red Sox want a starting pitcher in exchange for his services. We know this. But let’s say Craig Breslow can’t make it happen. Instead, how about trading Duran for one of baseball’s best late inning arms? Mason Miller, anyone?”
Pairing Miller with Aroldis Chapman would give the Red Sox the best late-inning duo in Major League Baseball. There isn’t any debate about that as Boston would have two relievers throwing at least 100 MPH, one from each side.
While both players have multiple years of team control left, it’s unlikely this trade would be as simple as a one-for-one swap like baseball fans saw when Brandon Nimmo was sent to Texas for Marcus Semien. The Padres would likely ask for more than Duran to ship out Miller.
The Padres need help in the outfield, and Duran would provide a reliable option that can play all three outfield positions. He would help provide some protection in the batting order for Fernando Tatis Jr. as well.
If Breslow and AJ Preller could work out a deal, it could potentially be a win-win for both sides.
More MLB: Phillies Reportedly Agree to Minor League Deal With Veteran Catcher