Duran has been speculated to be a trade candidate for several months. With the MLB offseason now underway, the Jarren Duran trade rumors are already in full swing. Following this week’s GM Meetings in Las Vegas, The Athletic‘s Jim Bowden reported that the Red Sox are continuing to listen to trade offers for their star outfielder. Bowden had also indicated earlier in November that Duran was expected to be moved this offseason.
Rumors surrounding Duran’s future in Boston have swirled over the past several months. After Roman Anthony’s call-up in June, the Red Sox found themselves with a surplus of outfielders. It has been commonly speculated that either Duran or Wilyer Abreu would be traded at some point. At 29 years old, Duran still has three seasons of team control remaining, which should give him considerable value on the trade market.
Following a top-10 AL MVP finish in 2024, Duran posted another solid season in 2025, even if his numbers dipped slightly. He hit .256 with a .774 OPS, 16 home runs, and 84 RBIs over 157 games. Additionally, he ranked third in the American League in doubles (41), led the league in triples (13), and stole 24 bases.
As a Duran trade appears to be one of the likely moves the Red Sox will make this offseason, let’s take a look at five teams that make sense as possible suitors based on the latest rumors from the GM Meetings.
### Philadelphia Phillies
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski recently told reporters his team is seeking outfield help for the upcoming season. Having struggled to get past the postseason hurdle in recent years, the two-time reigning NL East champions would have strong motivation to pursue a player like Duran.
However, there are a few factors to consider. Philadelphia is among the teams rumored to be in the running for free agent Kyle Tucker, so Boston might have to wait before making a deal if it’s interested in what the Phillies could offer.
Moreover, the Phillies don’t have many players on their big league roster who would fit the Red Sox’s needs or who they would be willing to trade for Duran—third baseman Alec Bohm is one possible fit, but he is entering his final year of team control. The Red Sox could also consider re-signing Alex Bregman, which may impact their interest in Bohm. Therefore, any trade involving Duran and the Phillies would likely include prospects.
### Kansas City Royals
The Royals have been exploring the trade market for outfield help during the GM Meetings, and the Red Sox may be a potential trade partner, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. After making the playoffs in 2024, Kansas City went 82-80 in 2025, but their three main outfielders combined for a WAR of just -0.1.
The outfield remains a clear weakness for a Royals team expected to contend for a playoff spot, especially with star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. leading the way. Kansas City could offer a couple of starting pitchers in a deal for Duran. While ace Cole Ragans would likely be off-limits, 28-year-old Kris Bubic is entering his final season of team control and could be available. Bubic posted a 2.55 ERA in 20 starts last season before a rotator cuff injury ended his campaign prematurely. The Royals have expressed openness to moving Bubic, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon.
Another intriguing option is veteran right-hander Seth Lugo. However, Lugo signed a two-year extension during the 2025 season, making it unlikely the Royals would trade him so soon.
### San Diego Padres
Since trade rumors first surfaced, the Padres have been frequently linked to Duran. Reports indicate San Diego made offers to Boston for Duran ahead of the July trade deadline. At that time, the Padres had pitchers who would have made sense from Boston’s perspective, such as righties Dylan Cease and Michael King. However, both are now free agents, so San Diego may need to get creative with their offers this offseason.
If the Red Sox lose Bregman and decide to move Marcelo Mayer to third base, pursuing Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth could be an intriguing option in a Duran trade. The versatile veteran, who turns 32 in January, hit .246 with a .744 OPS and 11 home runs in 135 games last season. He is under team control through 2030, adding to his appeal.
San Diego also boasts a strong bullpen, which Boston could target in a potential deal. However, the Padres’ farm system took a hit after trading reliever Mason Miller in July. MLB.com and ESPN currently rank San Diego’s prospect pool as the worst in baseball.
### Los Angeles Dodgers
Why not consider a trade with the Dodgers again? The two teams completed the high-profile Mookie Betts deal in 2020 and have made several other trades since, albeit none that have significantly benefited Boston.
The Dodgers currently need outfield help, especially since Betts has transitioned to a full-time shortstop. Similar to the Phillies, Los Angeles is also rumored to be one of the front-runners to sign Kyle Tucker in free agency, meaning any deal for Duran might have to wait.
On the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, there are few players who would meet Boston’s needs in a trade for Duran. Second baseman Hyun-soo Kim could be a positional fit, but after his rookie season, it might be unlikely the Dodgers would part ways with 26-year-old Kim.
Nonetheless, the Dodgers possess one of the most talented farm systems in baseball. MLB.com ranked Los Angeles’ farm system as the best in baseball in July, while ESPN rated it second-best.
### Chicago White Sox
The White Sox also expressed interest in bolstering their outfield during the GM Meetings, with general manager Chris Getz specifying a desire to improve corner outfield positions. Chicago has struggled in recent seasons but made a 19-win improvement in 2025 and appears to be on the rise entering 2026.
The White Sox saw several former top prospects make their MLB debuts in 2025, which has helped improve their standing in prospect rankings. However, there are few players on Chicago’s big league roster who would be likely trade candidates in a deal for Duran. This suggests Boston might need to look at the White Sox’s prospect pool to complete a trade.
Fortunately, Chicago has five players ranked in MLB.com’s top 100 prospects list. The two teams also have recent trade history, as Boston acquired Garrett Crochet from the White Sox in a significant deal.
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As trade talks heat up this offseason, these five teams stand out as the most logical potential destinations for Jarren Duran. Whether it’s the Phillies seeking to push deeper into the playoffs, the Royals rebuilding around young stars, the Padres doubling down on their roster, the Dodgers replenishing their depth, or the White Sox looking to rise in the standings, Duran’s next home could come down to which team is willing and able to meet Boston’s demands.
https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2025/11/15/jarren-duran-mlb-trade-rumors-candidates-dodgers-padres-phillies/