Inside The Red Sox

Red Sox Have 'No Real Traction' on Blockbuster Outfield Trade

The Boston Red Sox All-Star has been at the center of endless trade noise.
Aug 27, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA;  Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (3) celebrates with outfielder Jarren Duran (16) after hitting a two run home run during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
Aug 27, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (3) celebrates with outfielder Jarren Duran (16) after hitting a two run home run during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images | James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

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The trade rumors around the Boston Red Sox have been endless this offseason — like each offseason — but it certainly sounds like a lot of the noise can be ignored, for now.

The outfield has been a major talking point for the organization. Boston has a lot of outfielders and only so many spots to go around. That's a good problem to have. With Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran in the mix, the Red Sox arguably have the most talented outfield in the game.

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Anthony is viewed as a budding superstar and despite the fact that he's just 21 years old, looking like one of the better overall offensive players in the game before he got hurt in 2025. Also, he was very good defensively. He recorded six outs above average for the club. Overall, he is everything you could want in an outfielder. Rafaela and Abreu are elite defensively and are high-impact bats. Duran isn't as good defensively, but he's a dynamic offensive player and is a terror on the basepaths for opposing pitchers. When you have this much talent and only three outfield spots, of course, it's going to lead to trade rumors. Duran, especially, has been floated in rumors all offseason, but Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reported on Saturday that there has been "no real traction" on a move.

The Red Sox have significant talent in the outfield

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran
Sep 8, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran (16) celebrates with team mates after scoring against the Athletics during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

"While the Sox haven’t ruled out the possibility of trading an outfielder, one major league source suggested there’s 'no real traction' in trade talks involving Jarren Duran given the high bar the team would need to clear to deal the 29-year-old," Speier wrote.

The MLB offseason is always full of chatter. Speier is one of the most trustworthy Boston insiders out there, so it's safe to assume that the Duran mock trades and speculation out there can be ignored for now. It's also important to note that chief baseball officer Craig Breslow himself has thrown cold water on the idea of an outfielder trade.

"It was never likely in my mind,” Breslow said earlier in January. “We’ve got really talented outfielders. When teams call, that’s what other executives point to. They’re young, they’re controllable, they’re dynamic, they’re talented and can impact games in multiple ways. It’s really nice to be able to say they’re also members of the Boston Red Sox.”

So, if you're a Red Sox fan, you can ignore the noise, for now.

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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick received an MBA at Brandeis University. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Boston Red Sox On SI, please reach out to Scott Neville: scottneville21@gmail.com

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