MLB insider Jim Bowden has identified several potential trade destinations for Jarren Duran, suggesting that the Boston Red Sox could move the outfielder as they look to address their offensive needs.
Duran's 2026 postseason was brief and quiet, reflecting the offensive struggles he experienced during the regular season. Due to a prolonged regular-season slump and a crowded outfield depth chart featuring Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela, manager Chad Tracy frequently left him out of the starting lineup heading into the playoffs.
Duran appeared in two postseason games, going 0-for-3 with one walk and one strikeout. The Red Sox were quickly eliminated by the New York Yankees, losing the first two games of their series in the Bronx. Following the early exit, Duran emerged as a potential trade candidate as Boston began evaluating its roster for 2027. During a recent appearance on "GM Territory" alongside his son, Trey Bowden, Jim discussed several possible destinations for the outfielder and explained why the Houston Astros could be a good fit.
However, he stressed that Boston would need to receive a significant offensive return rather than simply moving the outfielder to clear space.
"When you look at the Red Sox outfield DH spot, it's just too crowded of a spot there. And I think with Abreu in right, Rafaela Ceddanne in center field, and of course Roman Anthony in left field, and Duran is to play left field every day. It's not going to happen in Boston. So getting traded to a team like the Houston Astros. I think he'd be a really good fit for Houston in left field. So Jarren Duran being traded definitely makes sense, but keep in mind the Red Sox need offense back. So, any trade with Duran, they need a big bat back," said Bowden.
Jim also identified the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, and San Diego Padres as potential landing spots. He believes Duran's skill set could make him a valuable addition to those teams.
During the 2026 regular season, Jarren Duran managed to join the exclusive 20-20 club by logging 20 home runs and 21 stolen bases. However, his inconsistency at the plate and increased strikeout numbers marked a significant drop-off from his previous All-Star form.
According to The Boston Globe's Alex Speier, Duran discussed his difficult season in August and admitted that he had worried about being released. He also described himself as the worst player in MLB statistically at that point.
"To be honest, I thought I was going to be released. I am the worst player in MLB statistically. I hate looking at the numbers, but when you're going bad, you look at the numbers and it was pretty obvious how bad I was… I'm just thankful that I have the opportunity to continue this run with this team and this organization, and hopefully make a playoff push," Duran said.
Duran finished the 2026 regular season with a .207 batting average, 20 home runs, 69 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases in 151 games.
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