Execs Believe Red Sox Outfielder On The Trade Block

The Boston Red Sox have a young outfielder in Jarren Duran who needs to get playing time. As a starter, he hit .278 with an OPS close to .800, with a .335 OBP in 46 games. Those 46 games represented much of the time that offseason free agent signing Adam Duvall was out of the lineup with a broken wrist. 

Ever since Duvall has come back, however, he's been the regular once again in center field, and Duran has been forced to the bench on occasion. 

But Red Sox Insiders like Pete Abraham (Boston Globe) and Sean McAdam (MassLive) point out that rival executives think Duvall's presence in the everyday lineup ahead of Duran is all about showcasing Duvall for a trade deadline deal in just over a month. 

The hope for Boston is that the 34-year-old slugger can recapture that torrid pace he was on to start the season, when he hit four homers with 14 RBIs in the first eight games, and slashed .455/.514/1.030 with an outrageous 1.544 OPS. 

ADAM DUVALL WITH HIS FIRST BLAST SINCE COMING OFF THE IL!

HR #5 on the season. Crushed this ball 426 FT.
pic.twitter.com/nhCBflejHz

— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) June 21, 2023

Trading Duvall still leaves them with the improving Duran as the starting center fielder, while they could address some of their needs, such as starting pitching, a lefty reliever, and middle infield depth. 

Duvall is currently hitting .269 overall with a .936 OPS. 

 Photo: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports