
via Imago
Image: MLB.com

via Imago
Image: MLB.com
Sometimes in MLB, it’s not the big bats or towering home runs that decide the fate of the game. What matters is also the calculated moves. And in Tuesday’s matchup between the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies, it was exactly that chessboard strategy that left Boston stunned.
When the Phillies came up in extras, they didn’t swing for the fences. So what did they do? They played small ball and, with patience, let Boston beat itself. The Sox were blanked in the top of the 10th. In the bottom half, Otto Kemp walked, a passed ball moved runners up, and the Sox intentionally walked Max Kepler to load the bases. Then entered Edmundo Sosa. With two strikes, Sosa checked his swing, and that’s when his bat clipped Carlos Narvaez’s glove. So, catcher interference. Ballgame. The Phillies won, and in the most anticlimactic fashion! And naturally, many were confused by Boston’s approach.
NESN, in their segment, pointed out, “What I don’t like is because we’ve seen the Sox at times this season play small ball, George. Like, they have that gear. I don’t understand how come they don’t use it more—like situational baseball.” And really, that’s the question. The Phillies leaned into the strategy, but the Sox didn’t really do that.
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The Boston Red Sox just lost, in extras … on a catcher’s interference.#DirtyWater pic.twitter.com/zzE8ehKWxj
— Vendetta Media (@VendettaVSM) July 22, 2025
That mistake is also Narvaez’s seventh catcher’s interference of the year. It puts the Red Sox on top of the MLB in that unwanted category. Chris Cotillo of MassLive mentioned that this was only the second walk-off catcher’s interference since the 1920s. The other happened back in 1971 during a Dodgers and Reds game ending at 5-4, where LA won.
The frustrating part is that the Boston Red Sox have shown they can play small ball. They have flashed that potential, but for whatever reason, they didn’t tap into it. So, no bunts, no aggressive base running, no pressure, and it cost them. This was no addition to their L segment; it was a reminder that one doesn’t always need power to win, but also needs to be sharp. And right now, the strategy’s given deadline is near—it should be at the top of the Red Sox’s mind.
Will Jarren Duran head out of Red Sox jersey soon?
To trade Jarren Duran or not is the big question for the Boston Red Sox. Now it’s no secret, Duran was the heart and soul of the Red Sox in 2024, and he is still a key player in 2025. He has an All-Star nod to his name and rocks a power-speed combo few have. The 28-year-old remains under team control for three and a half more seasons. But even then, ESPN’s Jeff Passan mentioned on Monday that the Sox have a 25% chance of dealing him. Even though Durran mentioned he would break down crying if he had to leave.
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But The Athletic’s Jim Bowden has reported that Boston has been in talks with several teams. The reason being the fact that they are intrigued by an outfield of Abreu in right, of Rafaela in the center, and Roman Anthony on the left. There is concern that Duran should be in DH at this point in his career. Makes sense; the strategy seems sound given Boston’s current roster makeup. But sometimes logic leaves the chat, and it’s not easy when it involves parting ways with a player as impactful as Duran—he is a clubhouse leader.
What’s your perspective on:
Is Jarren Duran's potential trade a smart move, or a mistake Boston will regret?
Have an interesting take?

via Imago
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Boston Red Sox Vs New York Mets Boston Red Sox Jarren Duran 16 stands in the hole during the eighth inning of the baseball game against the New York Mets at Citi Field in Corona, N.Y., on September 4, 2024. New York City N.Y. United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xGordonxDonovanx originalFilename:donovan-bostonre240904_npMbw.jpg
Right now, the interesting Phillies themselves, along with the Mets and Padres, seem to be circling, wanting Duran. Still, Jon Heyman, for example, doesn’t see it happening. He told Bleacher Report that he thinks Duran will stay put in Boston past the deadline. Makes sense, given that Duran gives the Sox the flexibility now. But again, the depth can be a roster crunch this offseason—a thing one can’t ignore.
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What do you think—will Duran stay or leave?
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Is Jarren Duran's potential trade a smart move, or a mistake Boston will regret?