Reds' trade pursuit of Red Sox star Jarren Duran could be hampered by Padres

The Boston Red Sox are said to be shopping Jarren Duran this offseason, and the former All-Star would seem to be a good fit for the outfield-needy Cincinnati Reds. But the San Diego Padres' obsession with the Red Sox star could keep the Reds on the sideline.

Duran is under team control through 2028, and though he's coming off a down-year with the Red Sox (.207/.266/.361), he hit a combined .276/.339/.471 with a 123 wRC+ in the three seasons prior. MLB Trade Rumors projects his 2027 salary to be just a shade over $11 million.

Many insiders view Duran as the perfect change-of-scenery candidate heading into the offseason, and given the Reds' need for increased production from their outfielders, the fit makes sense.

Reds' potential pursuit of Red Sox OF Jarren Duran could be interrupted by Padres

New York Post columnist Jon Heyman mentioned last month that the Padres remain interested in trading for Duran. The Friars were one of the 30-year-old's biggest suitors at the August 3 trade deadline, but the two sides failed to come to an agreement. In 2025, San Diego reportedly offered Boston a trade package than included former ace Dylan Cease and top prospect Ethan Salas for Duran. The Red Sox said, no.

Last year's struggles have certainly put a dent in Duran's trade value, and the Red Sox won't get anything close to that type of offer this winter. But if the Reds are interested in adding Duran, they'll have to outbid one of the most ruthless GMs in the business, A.J. Preller.

Given Preller's track record, we don't like the Reds chances of walking away with Duran this winter. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that Cincinnati and Boston won't match up for another blockbuster trade this offseason.

Former Reds' general manager Jim Bowden revealed that the Red Sox remain interested in Elly De La Cruz. Boston reportedly contacted Cincinnati about the superstar's availability at the trade deadline, but their offer was rebuffed. Bowden suggests that if the Red Sox fail in their efforts to secure CJ Abrams from the Washington Nationals, they could redirect their attention back to De La Cruz.

That $11 million price tag is nothing to sneeze at, and of course, the acquiring team would also have to forfeit something of value in order to make a deal work. Duran would be a nice acquisition for the Reds this offseason, but the Padres' persistence might finally pay off now that his trade value has bottomed out.

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