Duran has been considered Boston's biggest trade chip ahead of the July 31 deadline.![]()
The Boston Red Sox reportedly plan to hold on to their biggest trade chip through this week's deadline.
Jarren Duran has been the subject of trade rumors in recent weeks, but it appears he won't be moved after all. WEEI's Rob Bradford reports that the Red Sox are "no longer entertaining" potential deals involving their All-Star outfielder.
"Multiple major league sources have said that the Red Sox are no longer entertaining the idea of trading Jarren Duran, which is an obvious step in the right direction in the eyes of this current clubhouse," Bradford wrote.
Duran was widely expected to be the odd man out if the Red Sox decided to move a piece from their crowded outfield. With No. 1 prospect Roman Anthony in left field, Ceddanne Rafaela in center, and Wilyer Abreu in right, it made sense to capitalize on Duran's value and trade him for starting pitching ahead of the deadline.
However, infielder Marcelo Mayer's wrist injury has thrown a wrench into those plans. Rafaela since has replaced Mayer at second base, with Duran taking over in center field. Trading Duran now would leave Boston shorthanded -- either in the outfield or at second base -- depending on where Rafaela would play.
The San Diego Padres had been rumored to be the most aggressive suitors for Duran. There were also murmurs about a potential deal for Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan, but with Duran reportedly off the trade block, the chances of such a move have become even slimmer.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reported last week that the Red Sox are "not inclined to engage in any large-scale deadline moves." While that indicates Duran won't be dealt, it also likely means Boston won't make any moves for frontline starting pitching, which chief baseball officer Craig Breslow had stated was his trade deadline priority.
The Red Sox could still look to acquire affordable rotation depth. In addition to starting pitching, they could also use upgrades to the bullpen, first base, and backup catcher.
Boston will travel to Minnesota for its last three games before the July 31 trade deadline.