Steve Bradshaw specializes in covering the NFL Draft, NFL, and Fantasy Football for TWSN. Notably, Bradshaw has been able to cover the NFL Combine with media credentials for TWSN.
Outside of football, Bradshaw also has experience writing about the MLB & NBA.
One of the most interesting stories in baseball right now is the struggles of Jarren Duran. During Duran’s time with the Boston Red Sox, he’s had a very up-and-down career.
Duran struggled in 2021 and 2022, never posting a positive WAR. Over those two years, his batting average never crossed over .225, and he didn’t play over 60 games in a season.
That all changed in 2023, when Duran took a major step up. Duran was good but not elite, posting a 2.2 WAR, .295 batting average, eight home runs, and .346 OBP in just 102 games.
2024 is where Duran had a monster season. Duran made his first and only All-Star Game as he played in 160 games, posting a 9.0 WAR, along with a league-leading 48 doubles and 14 triples.
Duran also had 21 home runs, a .285 batting average, and a .342 OBP.
2025 was a slight step down for Duran, posting a 4.7 WAR, 16 home runs, and a .256 batting average. Duran led the league in triples once again with 13.
Through 26 games, Duran has a -0.1 WAR, one home run, a .170 batting average, and 231 OBP.
If the Boston Red Sox truly have to sell low, it probably makes more sense for them to hold on to Duran. Given the struggles of this roster and the recent firing of Alex Cora, it could make sense to start a new era.
TWSN Key Facts
- Player: Jarren Duran
- Current Team: Boston Red Sox
- Potential Team: Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies Should Trade For Jarren Duran
Given the roller coaster career Duran has had in Boston, giving him a fresh start could be exactly what he needs. The goal would be to replace Justin Crawford as an everyday player, as he’s started in 27 games in year one.
Crawford has struggled thus far, posting a -0.2 WAR, a .267 batting average, and zero home runs.
Crawford is only 22 years old and a former first-round pick, but still, this is a team that needs to add youth. With a 12-19 record, Philadelphia needs to shake things up, as it doesn’t look like they’re legitimate contenders right now.
The main goal of trading for a player like Duran is taking a swing on his upside. Despite having a number of talented players at the top of their line-up, it’s clear Philadelphia needs someone else to take this roster to the next level.
If Duran can return closer to his 2024 form than his 2026 form, that drastically changes things for Philadelphia. Both this season and in the long term
Why the Boston Red Sox Should Trade Jarren Duran
When looking at the Red Sox roster on Fangraphs, the answer to how they could move on from Duran is simple. Masataka Yoshida is 32 years old, which isn’t great, but he’s only been in the MLB for four seasons.
Yoshida has a lower floor than Duran, but he’s an outfielder, and he’s been fine enough this year through 18 games. Despite not having a single home run, Yoshida has a .265 batting average and .390 OBP.
It’s also worth noting that in 2023, Yoshida had a 1.4 WAR with 15 home runs and a .289 batting average, so it’s not like he can’t be a very good player.
With both of these outfielders being upside shots at this point, it makes sense to move one.
Expect the Red Sox to get a better price for Jarren Duran, given his much higher ceiling.
More MLB Content From TWSN:
MLB Power Rankings: April 20th
Is the Toronto Blue Jays or the New York Mets Disastrous Start More Concerning?
The St. Louis Cardinals Have The Next Aaron Judge
Related
Subscribe to the TWSN Newsletter for original reporting, bold opinions, and real analysis across NFL, NBA, UFC, College Football, and more.
Straight to your inbox. Always authentic.
Sign up now and never miss a moment.
Steve Bradshaw specializes in covering the NFL Draft, NFL, and Fantasy Football for TWSN. Notably, Bradshaw has been able to cover the NFL Combine with media credentials for TWSN.
Outside of football, Bradshaw also has experience writing about the MLB & NBA.
