As per insider Jim Bowden, Craig Breslow is looking for trade offers for the Red Sox veteran, highlighting the team’s willingness to reshape its outfield mix. But the insider voiced his confusion over the team’s approach.

“I’m not sure I understand why the Red Sox keep listening to offers for Duran, outside of the fact they envision their future outfield as Wilyer Abreu in right field, Ceddanne Rafaela in center field, and Roman Anthony in left. Why not keep Duran for DH? Or, better yet, why not let all four outfielders rotate between the outfield and DH?”

The $3.85M star, Jarren Duran, is now 28, and this season he slashed .256/.332/.442. And once again, Duran led the league in triples while posting a 4.6 bWAR. The star’s breakout campaign in 2024 saw Duran provide 8.7 bWAR, 34 stolen bases, and 31 home runs. Such an elite delivery has put the Dodgers, Phillies, Tigers, Rangers, and Guardians on alert. But he is under team control through 2028.

Duran provides an untouchable mix of speed, affordability, and youth. So, that asks for a massive return in a trade. Meanwhile, the Red Sox’s internal confusion related to Wilyer Abreu and Duran has increased since Breslow said that the team is focusing on “what’s best for building a winner in 2026.”

Alex Cora also added to this narrative that he could “find ways” to manage four outfielders.

“If I have four (outfielders), I can manage that,” the manager shared. “You find ways. And at the end of the day, the deeper the better, to be honest with you. And that’s something that we got tested (with) at the end of the season. We cannot control injuries, we cannot control slumps. So as far as managing it, yeah, can do it.” Still, it looks like the front office is interested in a trade to fill more immediate needs, specifically, a No. 2 starter behind Crochet, a gap identified during the Red Sox’s Wild Card loss to Aaron Boone’s team.

However, the choice leans toward balance.

Abreu’s raw power and powerful defense, 22 homers in 2025 in an injury-shortened season, provided the star with an advantage in right field. On the contrary, Duran’s left-handed versatility and durability keep the star attractive. Alex Cora’s team needs to understand that Abreu and Anthony missed a chunk of 2025, highlighting Duran’s availability over a 162-game stretch.

Now, for the Phillies, getting Duran would enhance their formidable lineup. With Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber set to enter free agency, Duran’s skill to handle left and center field would provide the team with flexibility for the upcoming season. Duran would effectively support Bryce Harper and slot in as an everyday leadoff hitter and outfielder, based on roster management.

On the contrary, getting Duran would provide Dave Roberts’ team with an elite long-term advantage for the upcoming season. Duran’s defensive range, skill to hit at the top of the order, and speed would quickly enhance the Dodgers’ outfield depth. With Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts forming the backbone, Duran’s availability would add a new layer of power, establishing more base-running force and enhancing situational hitting.

Duran’s team control deal also fits effectively with Dave Roberts’ multi-year competitive window. In June 2025, the Dodgers’ interest in Duran surfaced when Bleacher Report writer Zachary D. Rymer proposed the vital trade sending the outfielder to the LA. Back then, they were facing issues offensively, specifically, in their left field, with a collective minus-0.5 rWAR and just .672 OPS at that position.

While the trade news around Duran is getting attention, the Red Sox face another vital roster decision.

Red Sox urged to lock down $110 million star Alex Bregman in vital free agency window

In the midst of uncertainty surrounding Duran’s future, the Red Sox are now being advised to prioritize keeping Alex Bregman, who has hit the free agent market after opting out of his deal. As per Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, Bregman is expected to sign for around $110 million, and Boston remains the most logical destination.

After trading Rafael Devers to the Giants in June, the Red Sox not only cleared notable payroll space but also created a leadership void that Bregman seamlessly filled during the 2025 campaign.

Re-signing Alex Bregman would also symbolize stability in Boston’s long-term vision.

Despite interest from the Mariners, Royals, Tigers, and Blue Jays, it makes more sense for Boston, where Bregman rapidly became a cornerstone presence both on and off the field. Analysts argue that investing in him for the next five or six years would secure the middle of the lineup and restore continuity to a clubhouse otherwise entering a transitional phase.

The Red Sox’s offseason outlook now rests on two crucial moves: Whether Craig Breslow separates from Jarren Duran and if the front office can lock down Alex Bregman for the long haul. Both decisions will decide Boston’s competitive direction in 2026 and beyond. Fans can only hope the club makes the right calls to stay firmly in the playoff mix.