Boston Red Sox have trade chip in Jarren Duran
By David Hill
Some teams just seem like a natural fit in regards to a trade. Such is the case with the Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins, two teams that could fill a long term void on the other roster. The Marlins have been looking for an answer in center, meanwhile, the Red Sox are looking to upgrade their rotation.
As it is, the Marlins have indicated a willingness to trade from their pitching depth. They have also been seeking a center fielder, pursuing Ketel Marte after Starling Marte signed with the Mets. Instead, there may be another target worth pursuing – Red Sox prospect Jarren Duran.
Jarren Duran could be Boston Red Sox best trade chip
Although Duran was part of the Future’s Game in 2019, he really did not explode onto the prospect map until this past year. He had improved his power during the abbreviated 2020 campaign while working in the Red Sox alternate camp, earning rave reviews for his performance. Those improvements manifested with a solid .258/.357/.516 batting line in his 283 plate appearances, hitting 16 homers and 11 doubles while stealing 16 bases.
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That production was unable to continue at the major league level. Duran struggled to a .215/.241/.336 batting line in 107 plate appearances. Although he flashed his power with three doubles, two triples, and two homers, he also struck out 40 times with just four walks. As the Red Sox were contending for a spot in the playoffs, they could not afford to keep sending him out in the hopes that he could put everything together.
The Marlins can afford to do exactly that. Although they are looking to come out of their rebuild, they need to find a long term answer in center. Avisail Garcia was signed to a four year deal and could theoretically play center, he is not a fit there defensively. Duran would potentially solve that problem for years to come.
Likewise, the Marlins could have a long term answer for the Red Sox. Pablo Lopez and Elieser Hernandez are the most likely pitchers to be traded and could solidify the middle of Boston’s rotation for years. It would likely take more than Duran to get either, but he could be the centerpiece of such a deal.
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The Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins are well matched for a trade. If such a deal happens, Jarren Duran could be the centerpiece heading to Miami.