The Boston Red Sox have been one of the biggest disappointments in Major League Baseball this season, entering Friday's game with the worst record in the American League. The Red Sox lineup has been the primary problem, raising questions about outfielder Jaren Duran's future with the team.
Robert Murray of FanSided.com wrote that Duran has long been a target of San Diego Padres general manager AJ Preller and would have interest in the league. While Duran could also benefit from a change of scenery, Murray doubts Boston will move him this summer.
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- Jaren Duran contract (Spotrac): $7.7 million salary (2026), arbitration eligible (2027-'28)
Duran, age 29, earned an All-Star selection in 2024. He finished that campaign with 21 home runs, 14 triples, 75 RBI and a .834 OPS with a .285/.342/.492 triple-slash line. Last season he still managed to hit 16 home runs and 13 triples with 84 RBI and a .774 OPS.
However, he has been in a long-term bearish trend since September 2025. Over his last 187 plate appearances, Duran has hit 26.2 percent of his plate appearances with a .216/.283/.345 triple-slash line.
- Jaren Duran stats (ESPN): .198/.261/.296, .558 OPS, 1 home run, 23-6 K-BB in 81 AB
According to Baseball Savant, in terms of his advanced numbers, he ranks in the 2nd percentile for whiff rate (39.6 percent), in the 20th percentile for chase rate (25.1 percent), and he is in the 23rd percentile for expected batting average (.219). He's still an excellent base runner who is a plus defensively (80th percentile above average), but he has shown no signs of getting back to form at the plate.
Boston would rather sell him for an all-time low than his trade value, and given his history, the club is more inclined to retain him and hope for a change. However, if the Red Sox are unable to dig themselves out of this hole by the beginning of July, multiple teams will likely inquire about Duran before the MLB trade deadline.
