.jpg)
6 hours ago
1
The Boston Red Sox already made one shocking move when they traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. They could make more moves as the deadline gets closer.
During the team's presser discussing the Rafael Devers trade, Craig Breslow assured the media that the Devers trade did not signify the team giving up on the season. However, that does not mean they may move on from some star players before the July 31 trade deadline. The Red Sox have a logjam in the outfield and may be forced to trade one of their young outfielders. The Athletic's Jim Bowden has already revealed that the Red Sox "will try" to trade one of their outfielders to land pitching.
Out of the Red Sox's current outfielders, Jarren Duran may be the most likely to be dealt. He has less club control than Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony is the top prospect in baseball, Ceddanne Rafaela is signed to a long-term extension and Masatak Yoshida's contract and poor defense make him tough to trade. FanSided's Matt Grazel suggested the Red Sox could trade Duran to the Philadelphia Phillies.
"The Red Sox have a position player jam on their hands, as prospects being promoted to the majors," wrote Grazel. "Top MLB prospect Roman Anthony is one example, as he is currently with Boston, but they also have outfielder Wilyer Abreu returning from the IL. If the club wants Anthony to play full-time later in the summer, they will need to trade some players, and Duran is a candidate to be elsewhere by the conclusion of the July 31 deadline, per ESPN's Jeff Passan."
Duran led the league in doubles and triples last season. He was named an All-Star and has great trade value. The Phillies could use him to solve some of their problems in the outfield, where only Nick Castellanos has been productive.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
"Duran has played in center field (264 games) the most in his MLB career," wrote Grazel. "He has also played 182 contests in left field and nine in right. He has a club option of $8 million in 2026, followed by two years of arbitration before becoming a free agent in 2029. Duran would represent a boost to the Phillies' outfield, particularly in left. Outfielder Max Kepler does not look the part of a full-time outfielder, as neither do Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas."
Trading Duran would not be a move that signals the Red Sox giving up. It would allow Anthony to play every day and yield some players who can help them win now. The Red Sox are in postseason position going into play on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Phillies may be willing to part with some talented pitchers to improve their offense for a deep postseason run.
More MLB: Mets receive brutal injury update on Kodai Senga amid poor stretch
English (US)