.jpg)
2 hours ago
3
Now that the Boston Red Sox have acquired Curtis Mead, they have shown what level of player they are comfortable parting with, using Connelly Early as a bench mark.
Early has a high floor as an MLB pitcher, and could be a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter by his prime. With that in mind, the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier believes due to the Red Sox’s thin farm, Marcelo Mayer and Jarren Duran could be next up when Boston inevitably looks for another slugger.
Mayer could need a change in scenery
Jun 25, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Marcelo Mayer (11) makes the out at second base against New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) in the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Mayer has already been linked to being a possible trade candidate for Boston, and for good reason. In his MLB career, he’s only hit .223/.278/.346/.312 with only 18 doubles, seven home runs, and 32 RBI in 114 total games.
Mayer has also been very injury prone, and hasn’t played a full season at any level, minors or majors. The Boston market might be putting too much pressure on him, so a change in home might be best for him. Mayer still has a high ceiling, so another team may be willing to take a chance on him, especially due to his team control.
Duran still has some value
Imagn Images
Duran was the All-Star MVP just two seasons ago, but this year, he’s been a shell of himself, leading to a decrease in value. He’s slashing .198/.257/.345/.602 with 10 doubles, 13 home runs, and 54 RBI in 97 games played.
Even with that horrendous statline, Duran has a few things going for him: He has two and a half years of team control left, he’s shown that his ceiling is being an All-Star outfielder, and when runners are in scoring position, he’s still a beast.
What could Boston fetch for them?
© Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The pair could fetch Boston something substantial. If the Sox were to include some mid-level prospects, they could do exactly what they want.
All Boston needs right now is another right-handed slugger, either at catcher, DH, or shortstop. Currently, catcher and shortstop have a thin market at the trade deadline, leaving Boston with the option of DH to really dive into.
So, if Boston wants to send a lot, they could get any position they want. However, if they want to limit to either a Mayer or Duran package, DH is what they should target.
MORE MLB NEWS
Red Sox reportedly not done after Curtis Mead trade as Jeff Passan hints at bigger deadline moves
Curtis Mead's breakout season makes Red Sox trade look smarter than expected
Red Sox could use former top prospect Marcelo Mayer as trade chip to land impact bat at deadline
English (US)