The San Diego Padres, at 52-44, are vying for relevance in the NL West and the Wild Card race.
They have one of MLB’s most skilled rosters, a huge budget, and a fan base hungry for the franchise’s first World Series victory.
But the Padres know they need additional outfield help, particularly in left field.
That’s why their attention is focused on Boston Red Sox spark plug Jarren Duran, a guy that checks all the boxes.
Even as Boston shifts from sellers to buyers, the Padres continue to pursue a trade including the 28-year-old outfielder.
Boston’s Red Hot Streak complicates the trade landscape.
The Red Sox have won ten straight games, improving to 53-45 and securing a Wild Card position in the American League.
Boston, once considered to be sellers, now appears to be a team looking to add components rather than subtract one of its finest.
Jarren Duran, with a 103 wRC+, eight home runs, and 16 stolen bases, is a big reason for the turnaround.
He’s the emotional heart of the Red Sox lineup, slicing gaps, stealing bases, and igniting rallies at Fenway.
Despite the team’s ascent, Boston has depth in the outfield, which may make Duran movable.
Why the Padres Can’t Quit Jarren Duran.
According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, despite Boston’s dramatic surge, San Diego is still “enamored” with Duran.
The Padres have been tracking him for weeks, hoping that Boston’s congested outfield may work in their advantage.
Duran may be the odd man out, with Ceddanne Rafaela rising, Wilyer Abreu remaining consistent, and top prospect Roman Anthony already demonstrating his talent.
That is the thinking behind the Padres’ strategy of using their pitching depth to tempt Boston into a trade.
It’s a typical high-stakes poker game, and San Diego isn’t giving up just yet.
What the Padres Might Offer in Return
The Padres have plenty of pitching alternatives, even if some are risky or inconsistent.
They might dangle Dylan Cease, but that’s doubtful given his importance to their 2025 chances.
Veterans such as Yu Darvish and Nick Pivetta may be considered, particularly if Boston requires consistent innings right now.
A healthy Michael King might also pique the Red Sox’s interest, especially if they believe he can return from the injured list strong sometime in August.
Don’t rule out a trade including a first baseman, since Boston continues to have a need for one.
The Red Sox’s Calculated Dilemma
Flipping Duran during a playoff run is a hazardous move—but not impossible for Boston.
They may see selling high on Duran as a means to maximize his value while also enhancing the overall roster.
Think of it like a chess match: occasionally surrendering a bishop allows you to control the board and prepare the final checkmate.
If Boston is confidence in its internal outfield possibilities, a dramatic pitching move might tip the scales in October.
And, with the market favoring sellers, they will receive bids, particularly from organizations as persistent as the Padres.
Could the Padres and Red Sox really align?
Boston may want rotation assistance, a consistent bullpen arm, or perhaps a first baseman—areas where San Diego might potentially help.
If both parties remain inventive, this may be one of the trade deadline’s more intriguing win-win scenarios.
Duran matches San Diego’s style: he’s fast, fearless, and fiery, which is exactly what they lack at the top of their current order.
And if the Padres want to go all-in for 2025, Duran might be the spark that ignites a longer run.
The question today is simple: how much are they willing to risk for that spark, and is Boston prepared to listen?
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