Poll Which Teams Should Make The Biggest Push For Jarren Dura
The Red Sox have fought their way back into playoff contention after their shocking trade of franchise face last month. Boston has rattled off a seven-game win streak to put themselves at a 50-45 record entering play today and in a statistical tie with the Mariners for the final AL Wild Card spot. That hasnt stopped some of their top players from finding their names in the rumor mill, however. While it would be shocking for a team in playoff position that has plenty of uncertainty on the infield as it is to trade away someone like , the Red Sox do have an overflowing outfield mix that could at least theoretically be put to use this summer and bring back some much-needed pitching help. returned to the Red Sox yesterday after mi sing the first half of the season while rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder, and with his return comes an embarra sment of riches in the Red Sox outfield. entered the season as the sports consensus top prospect and, after a slow start, has taken off in recent weeks with a .308/.413/.462 slash line since the Devers trade. Fellow youngster has also caught fire of late, with an absurd .303/.341/.630 slash line since the start of June that hes paired with some of the best outfield defense in the entire American League. And thats before even getting into and , both of whom established themselves as impact players with big campaigns in 2024. Its Duran whos gotten the most attention as a trade candidate of that group, and hes certainly attractive. Hes just one year removed from a top-ten finish in AL MVP voting, and while his 2025 season (105 wRC+) has left something to be desired, its easy for teams to dream on that upside given his three-and-a-half years of team control remaining. There arent many teams in baseball who wouldnt stand to benefit from adding someone of Durans caliber to their lineup, but which clubs should be most interested in his services? A look at some potential fits: San Diego Padres The most discu sed potential suitor for Duran early on, San Diego has targeted the outfielder in the Jaxson Hayes Jersey past and that interest . The Padres are operating under a tight budget, so a player like Duran who remains in the early years of arbitration is an attractive addition. Theyve also got a gaping hole in the lineup after their left field platoon of and to open the season did not work out. is currently holding down the fort at the position, and while his 118 wRC+ this year has been impre sive hes also a poor defender best suited to DH work. Adding Duran, then, could upgrade the club both offensively and defensively. Houston Astros There might be no team thats a better on-paper fit for Duran than the Astros. With on the injured list for most of the season and having been dealt to Chicago, Houston has no left-handed regulars in its lineup. That lack of lefty bats has made them a pedestrian offense (103 wRC+) against right-handed pitching this year, and while has settled in well as the clubs new right fielder a combination of , , and in left isnt great. Duran would be a perfect addition for the club, though a farm system typically viewed as one of the weakest in the majors could make acquiring a talent of his caliber difficult. Kansas City Royals The Royals have been looking to find help for in their lineup, and while they thought they found just that this winter when they traded for , the addition hasnt worked out as hoped so far. No team gets le s production from their outfield mix than Kansas City, and while should contribute at some point, the rest of the group is in need of a serious makeover. Duran would be a strong addition who could fill the leadoff role India was brought in to addre s, but the teams 46-48 record could make buying this summer a tough sell unle s they can rattle off a big win streak. While other contenders are likely more motivated to make a deal now, the Royals could be an especially interesting suitor if Duran remains in Boston headed into the winter. Philadelphia Phillies The Phillies are clinging to a small lead over the Mets in the NL East at the moment, and theyre doing that without much production from their outfield. has turned things around after a disastrous start to the year and is now roughly league average overall, and remains his usual self. The addition of simply hasnt worked out, however, and hasnt looked good as anything more than a defense-first bench option either. Replacing Kepler with Duran would not only help the Phillies in the short-term, but it would also allow the team to add a controllable, cost-effective bat to the lineup at a time where multiple significant pieces ( , , ) will either need to be re-signed or replaced. Other Options While the four teams mentioned above are arguably the teams that could benefit most from adding Duran, there are certainly other clubs that should have at least some interest in his services. s OPS is below .600, and with him ticketed for free agency after the season the Dodgers would certainly stand to improve from adding Duran and could make room for him long-term. The Mariners could be a tricky fit given that both Duran and are best suited to left field, but they could certainly use an extra outfield bat. The Pirates are clear sellers this season but need reliable bats to surround and the rest of their young rotation, and even Bob Nutting can afford an arbitration-level player like Duran. The Twins will need a replacement for s production going forward, and perhaps Duran could serve as a bridge to and for Minnesota. If the Red Sox decide to move Duran, which club would benefit most from bringing him in? Have your say in the poll below: Which Team Would Benefit Most From Adding Jarren Duran? San Diego Padres 32.99% (1,999votes) Other (Specify In Comments) 20.83% (1,262votes) Philadelphia Phillies 20.50% (1,242votes) Kansas City Royals 13.65% (827votes) Houston Astros 12.05% (730votes) Total Votes: 6,060 Solomon Hill Jersey




