Red Sox Willing to Move Outfielder Jarren Duran
The Boston Red Sox, who have surged back into the playoff race with a 15-game winning streak, are reportedly willing to trade outfielder Jarren Duran before the 2026 MLB trade deadline. According to multiple sources, the Red Sox are open to moving Duran, who has struggled this season with a batting average of .195 and an OPS of .589.
Duran’s lack of production has been compounded by his repeated emotional outbursts, an issue that has followed him throughout his major-league career. The latest example came during a game against the Athletics, when Duran became visibly upset after a shallow fly ball was caught by the left fielder. Duran’s frustration was directed toward the third-base area, specifically third-base coach Chad Epperson, rather than the runner, Willson Contreras.
Despite Duran’s struggles, he is still believed to have a market, with the Padres remaining a logical fit due to their need for a left-handed-hitting outfielder. The Twins also pursued Duran at last year’s trade deadline, but the Red Sox were unwilling to move established major-league talent while they remained in the postseason race.
The Red Sox are now weighing whether Duran has left them with much of a choice, as they sit in third place in the AL East, seven games behind the Rays, and hold the second wild-card berth in the American League.
George Springer Open to Red Sox Trade
George Springer, who could be moved by the Blue Jays at the trade deadline, has expressed interest in joining the Red Sox. According to a source familiar with his thinking, Springer, a Connecticut native who grew up a Red Sox fan, has long enjoyed hitting at Fenway Park. In 51 career games there, he owns a .323/.400/.540 slash line with a .940 OPS and 10 home runs.
The Red Sox could offer Springer a full-time designated hitter role, one in which he has thrived during the latter stages of his career in Toronto while reducing the wear and tear of playing the outfield every day. However, the Red Sox have interest in Springer only under the right circumstances, as they are still looking to add infield help.
Nationals and Luis Garcia Jr.
The Nationals are actively looking for suitors for Luis Garcia Jr., who has emerged as one of Washington’s most realistic trade candidates. Garcia, who has one year of team control remaining before free agency, is in the midst of a career season, batting .286 with a National League-leading .566 slugging percentage to go along with an .882 OPS and 23 home runs.
Any deal involving Garcia would likely be made with the objective of adding to the organization’s prospect capital while continuing to strengthen its long-term core. The Nationals have indicated that CJ Abrams will not be traded at this deadline, but Garcia’s value has increased due to his impressive performance.
The Giants’ Dilemma
The Giants, one of the worst teams in baseball this season, would like to move several of their long-term contracts, including third baseman Matt Chapman, first baseman/designated hitter Rafael Devers, and shortstop Willy Adames. However, as the trade deadline approaches, they have found virtually no suitors for any of them, according to a source.
Collectively, the trio is owed roughly $481.4 million, and each has seen his value decline to varying degrees. Devers will enter his age-30 season next year, while Adames, 30, has struggled defensively, posting a league-worst -12 Outs Above Average (OAA) among shortstops. Chapman, meanwhile, is 33, has four years remaining on his contract, and is currently on the injured list.
If San Francisco is unable to move any of those three contracts, the club is still expected to shop several other veterans, including Luis Arraez, arguably its most attractive trade chip, right-hander Tyler Mahle, left-hander Robbie Ray, and multiple relievers. President of baseball operations Buster Posey has also hinted at giving some of the organization’s top-performing prospects an opportunity in the majors, recently mentioning outfielder Scott Bandura as a candidate.
