Red Sox expected to make bold Jarren Duran decision, just not at MLB trade deadline

The Boston Red Sox are going to buy at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, and it should come as little surprise after their incredible July resurgence into being legitimate contenders.

But, as the deadline approaches, the questions surrounding Jarren Duran have once again popped up. After being in plenty of rumors last summer, would the Red Sox trade him this year to upgrade a different part of the big league roster?

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox are expected to trade Duran, but with one major caveat: it won't be at this year's trade deadline, and instead more likely over the offseason.

Red Sox trade plan with Jarren Duran revealed to be for MLB offseason

"The Boston Red Sox, who had resisted trade overtures for outfielder Jarren Duran in the past, now are expected to trade him this winter," Nightengale reports.

With Boston being expected to trade Duran over the offseason, Red Sox fans should prepare to see their All-Star outfielder on the move at some point in the next year.

It might've been hard to fathom two years ago after his 9.0 bWAR, All-Star campaign. But, after some regressing in 2025, he's taken an even larger step back this season.

Duran has posted just 0.2 bWAR in 103 games with a .199 batting average and a .595 OPS. His 68 OPS+ is in a bad spot, and there is some real concern about his offensive game this season.

MORE: Red Sox predicted to trade for Tigers’ Gleyber Torres at deadline

The 29-year-old outfielder is under club control through 2028, so there's plenty of time to trade Duran if that's what they decide to do.

Duran has been in trade rumors for a while now, and it should come as little surprise to Red Sox fans that he could be on the move.

However, such a trade might not happen by the August 3 MLB trade deadline, as Nightengale's report indicates that Duran is expected to be traded after the 2026 season comes to a close.

It appears Duran might be playing his last season with the Red Sox, though a lot could change, and he might even be on the move by Monday's deadline. This is a fascinating situation to watch, and the resolution is sure to draw a lot of intrigue once it's made.

More MLB news:

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• Yankees linked to Padres for potential rotation for bullpen swap
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• Yankees predicted to trade for Marlins’ Liam Hicks by ESPN