Red Sox fans have expressed their frustration over how this season has unfolded for outfielder Jarren Duran, and trade rumors continue to swirl, but Duran himself has taken it the hardest.“Every time I go out there and sign, they’re always super proud… but in the back of my mind, I’m like—I know I can f—— do better…,” he recently admitted, raw and honest. The desperation to deliver was obvious. So when he stepped onto the field at Nationals Park on the Fourth of July, he had a surprise in store—a gift for the fans who stuck by him. And just maybe, it was his clearest answer yet to all the trade talk.

The All-Star MVP version of Duran feels long gone this season, compared to his 2024 stat sheet. He ended last season with a .285 batting average, an OPS of .834, and posted a career-high 21 home runs and 75 RBIs. But how is his performance so far this year? The left fielder has logged just 6 home runs and 39 RBIs. Fans have understandably felt disappointed, but recently, he has started to heat up at the plate. He went deep in the sixth with a solo shot against the Reds in the first game of that series, ending a long homerless streak. And as the Sox opened the series against the Nationals on the fourth of July, Duran had something even better to offer.

He added an RBI single in the top of the second, then followed it up with a two-run double in the top of the fifth to make it 8–0 for Boston. He went 2-for-5 with a double and three RBIs against the Nationals, keeping the offense rolling. And guess what? He just drove in three runs in a single game for the first time since May 23rd. So, it’s no surprise fans are celebrating his performance—and it even had Jared Carrabis among many fans asking, “Is Jarren Duran back?”

Well, this is definitely a reason to believe he’s on his way back. Not only him, maybe his team too. The Red Sox crushed it in style in D.C., with rookie Roman Anthony also contributing, as they opened the series with a dominant 11-2 win. And they might have Duran to thank as the catalyst this lineup needed to fire up. But that doesn’t mean the trade talks are off the table. One of the teams recently rumored to target him at the trade deadline is the Twins.

According to reports, a trade with the Twins could help Boston improve their standing in a crowded AL East as they struggle to find consistency. The Twins may look to retool their core, and the Red Sox could use a starting pitcher, so getting starter Joe Ryan in exchange for Duran could work well for both sides.

But with Duran suddenly putting up numbers, the Red Sox might want to rethink that trade. They’ll have to decide soon, though—the trade deadline is just four weeks away. And before this breakout game, the team already seemed to have made a decision, according to an MLB executive.

Red Sox rumored to part ways with Duran

Jim Bowden recently interviewed more than MLB executives to analyze the possible trades that could unfold at the deadline, publishing his findings on The Athletic. And after the Rafael Devers trade, one thing became crystal clear—no one’s long-term future is entirely secure in the Red Sox roster. And since Boston’s outfield is brimming with young talent, the team will have to send someone out sooner or later. That someone, most likely, is Jarren Duran.

“I was surprised by how many front office executives mentioned Duran. It makes me think the Red Sox may have decided Wilyer Abreu will play right field and Roman Anthony will play left going forward,” Bowden wrote. And it’s hard to ignore that possibility. The Red Sox currently have MLB’s top prospect, Roman Anthony, with Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela in the outfield alongside Duran, all four capable of being everyday starters. So, it won’t be an easy decision for Craig Breslow and the front office.

“Duran, 28, is under team control through 2028. Last year, he led the majors in doubles (48) and triples (14), and had 21 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 34 stolen bases. This year, he’s slashing .253/.313/.410 with 20 doubles and a league-leading nine triples. He’s been linked to the Padres and Phillies in trade talks,” Bowden added. That’s right, Duran still holds significant value, and now that he’s starting to show glimpses of last season’s form, there might still be hope.

Earlier, when asked about the possibility of being traded, Duran emotionally admitted, “I’ll probably break down crying…”. But who knows? He may be just getting his season started, and maybe, just maybe, the best news is still on its way.