The Boston Purple Sox have already made one shocking commerce this season.
Designated hitter Rafael Devers was unexpectedly traded to the Giants, a commerce which will have been as a lot about eradicating a malcontent from the locker room because it was in regards to the gamers acquired. Regardless of the drama, the Purple Sox have been white scorching of late, preventing their means right into a playoff spot.
As such, the concept of buying and selling outfielder Jarren Duran seemingly doesn’t make sense. The issue is that the Purple Sox have a really left-handed-heavy outfield combine. Younger outfielder Roman Anthony can also be left-handed, additional complicating issues. Duran has three-and-a-half years of workforce management left and will carry again a formidable return if he turned obtainable. It’s no shock, then, that commerce rumors swirl across the Purple Sox outfielder.
The Purple Sox don’t essentially have to commerce Duran. Nevertheless, let’s check out three potential touchdown spots if he’s dealt earlier than the commerce deadline, which is July 31 at 6 p.m. ET.
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres have lengthy coveted Duran, having tried to pry him from the Purple Sox forward of the 2024 season. That curiosity has not waned since, with Sean McAdam from MassLive.com reporting that the Padres have been “relentless” of their makes an attempt to accumulate Duran.
Left subject has been a revolving door for the Padres this season as six completely different gamers have remodeled 10 appearances on the place. Duran wouldn’t solely lengthen the Padres lineup, however he would supply a long-term answer in left. Padres common supervisor A.J. Preller has been identified to search out artistic options to make trades occur; he could possibly discover a option to land Duran after years of attempting.
Kansas Metropolis Royals
There is probably not a workforce that wants Duran greater than the Royals. Royals outfielders have been among the many worst within the majors, posting a mediocre .214/.268/.316 batting line with 15 house runs. Though Jac Caglianone ought to ultimately be an impression bat in the midst of the lineup, he’s nonetheless experiencing rising pains as he acclimates to the majors.
Duran would instantly improve the Royals outfield, including a stable bat with some energy and pace. He would have the ability to slot in because the leadoff hitter forward of Bobby Witt Jr., giving the Royals a probably deadly prime of the lineup. Whereas the 46-49 Royals is probably not heading to the playoffs this season, including Duran can be a step towards contending in 2026 and past.
New York Mets
The Mets made a splash within the outfield throughout the offseason, signing Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765M contract. Whereas Soto and Brandon Nimmo are a formidable duo for any outfield, the Mets have a gaping gap in middle. Tyrone Taylor is a wonderful defensive outfielder however has a .211/.266/.314 batting line in 266 plate appearances.
Buying Duran would enable the Mets to shift Nimmo again to middle, giving them among the best beginning outfields within the majors. Though Nimmo is healthier defensively in left, he’s able to dealing with middle subject, saving three runs in simply 24 video games on the place in 2024. Because the Mets are targeted on profitable the World Collection, Duran could be the participant they should accomplish that aim.
