MLB Rumors: Padres, Red Sox Talking Trade

The Boston Red Sox are not done making moves yet this winter (at least that's what the Fenway faithful are hoping). 

One thing they do have in plentiful supply is a stash of young outfielders. And with that, posits MLB Insider Jon Heyman, teams have come calling on Jarren Duran, the former top Boston prospect who had a breakthrough season in 2023. 

The Red Sox and Padres have had trade discussions around Jarren Duran, per @ByRobertMurray pic.twitter.com/CIZD8jsMWa

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) February 9, 2024

The San Diego Padres are one of those clubs that's opened discussions with the BoSox, as they are in need of a left-handed hitting outfielder. League sources have confirmed for Dennis Lin of The Athletic that the teams have indeed been talking. 

The Friars are currently looking at an outfield of Fernando Tatis Jr. and...... nobody really knows who else. Jose Azocar is the only other OF on the roster with any degree of big league experience, and that consisted of just 91 at-bats last season and 202 the season before. Combined, he owns a major league mark of two home runs with an OPS+ of 81. 

As for Duran, he would be a huge boost to the San Diego lineup. In 2023, he finally tasted some real success in the bigs, posting a .295/.346/.482 slash line with an .828 OPS and an OPS+ of an impressive 121, with eight long balls and 24 stolen bases in 26 attempts. He ranks in the 95th percentile in the majors in speed.

Unfortunately, despite that speed, his lack of outfield acumen has left him with a Defensive Runs Saved of a woeful minus-19 throughout his 181 appearances out there during his short career.

The Red Sox brought in Tyler O'Neill in a trade this offseason as an added outfield piece. Meanwhile, three of their top 5 prospects are outfields, so there's more to come in the near future. 

Photo: John Froschauer-USA TODAY Sports