Padres show interest in OF Jarren Duran

BOSTON – The Athletic reported earlier this morning that the San Diego Padres have recently expressed trade interest in Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran. According to sources familiar with the discussions, this is not the first time the Padres have pursued Duran. Their interest reportedly dates back to before the start of the 2024 season, when San Diego inquired about acquiring the left-handed outfielder. However, at that time, the Padres ultimately decided to retain Jurickson Profar as their left field option, a move they felt was more aligned with their short-term plans.

Profar’s departure via free agency this past offseason has reopened a void in the Padres’ outfield alignment. Duran, who has since emerged as a reliable top-of-the-order bat with elite speed and improving defense, has become a desirable trade target. With the Red Sox currently weighing their future direction amid a disappointing first half, it is believed they could be open to moving Duran for the right return.

From the Red Sox’s perspective, a potential trade involving Jarren Duran would be a logical move given the organizational dynamics and upcoming roster decisions. The team is on the verge of facing an outfield logjam, particularly with top prospect Roman Anthony looking Major League-ready and expected to be called up at any moment. Anthony, one of the most highly regarded outfielders in Boston’s farm system, has shown advanced plate discipline and power in Triple-A, positioning himself as a long-term piece in the Red Sox’s outfield plans.

Additionally, the team’s financial commitment to Ceddanne Rafaela complicates the picture further. Rafaela, who signed a multi-year extension, profiles as a far more effective defensive player in center field than at second base, where he has occasionally been deployed. His elite range, instincts, and arm strength make him a natural fit in center, and moving him out of that role to accommodate Duran would be suboptimal. Given that Rafaela’s contract could be difficult to move due to its length and value, the more realistic solution may be to deal Duran—whose value is currently high—in order to alleviate the outfield congestion and address other areas of need on the roster.

losing several contributors during the offseason. That need has now become even more urgent following an injury to outfielder Gavin Sheets, who exited Sunday afternoon’s game with an apparent lower-body injury. While the extent of Sheets’ injury is still being evaluated, early reports suggest he could miss a significant amount of time, further depleting an already thin outfield group.

San Diego has relied on a mix of platoon options and utility players to cover corner outfield spots, but none have provided the consistent offensive production or defensive stability the club had hoped for. Sheets, acquired to add left-handed power and some versatility in the outfield, had started to settle into a regular role before the injury. His absence leaves a noticeable gap, intensifying the Padres’ need to explore external options like Boston’s Jarren Duran to solidify their lineup and defense.

Reference

Lin, D (n.d.). The Athletic https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6396029/2025/06/02/padres-interest-ed-sox-jarren-duran/