Padres 'don't match up' with Red Sox in trade for All-Star MVP

The San Diego Padres are in the market for a new left fielder, and while there are a couple of intriguing options, their top choice might be out of reach. That player is Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran.

At the deadline, the Padres are planning to target a left fielder, and Duran would be their top choice. But Jim Bowden of The Athletic painted a bleak picture for a potential trade.

"The Padres and Phillies would love to land Duran." Bowden wrote. "However, the Padres really don't match up with Boston unless the Sox would take a pitcher on an expiring contract, like Dylan Cease or Michael King..."

Moving one of Cease or King would sting for the Padres, but to land Duran, who'd be under team control through the 2028 season, would be worth parting with Cease or King. The Red Sox are also looking for a starter, so a trade could work.

However, the Red Sox aren't looking to move Duran for just a rental starter. They are aiming for a multi-year player, similar to how Duran is under team control past the 2025 season. 

MORE: Padres linked to MLB insiders' 'least valuable player' at trade deadline

Boston could take one of Cease or King, but they would prefer to land a controllable starter, and one who can pitch behind Garrett Crochet atop their rotation. Cease has struggled this season, with a 4.64 ERA, while King is on the injured list with a shoulder issue.

Moving on from Duran for either doesn't seem likely due to their performance and injury situation, regardless of whether they're rentals or not. San Diego may have to get creative in trying to land Duran, or look elsewhere for their new left fielder.

Duran, the 2024 All-Star Game MVP, would be a nice pickup if the Padres could work out a deal. He's hitting .257 with a .749 OPS to go with his AL-leading ten triples. If the Padres could work out a deal, he'd be a great way to resolve their left field issue.

But, the chances of such a move look slim with this outlook from Bowden. It'd take a massive blockbuster to land Duran, and for the Padres, such a deal would be even more complicated due to their lack of assets that the Red Sox are interested in.

MORE MLB NEWS:

• Padres' A.J. Preller predicted to 'aim high' at MLB trade deadline
• Guardians trade negotiations 'frustrating' MLB teams ahead of deadline
• Tigers 'likely' to add a high-leverage reliever at trade deadline
• Trio of Cardinals relievers most likely to be moved at MLB trade deadline
• Astros writer reveals 'ideal outcome' at MLB trade deadline
• Tigers 'strongly interested' in pair of Twins righty relievers