Padres linked to potential Red Sox trade target in emerging outfield buzz

Jarren Duran is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing names on the trade market — and the San Diego Padres are reportedly circling. With the Padres (34–24) locked in a three-team battle atop the NL West, just one game behind the first-place Dodgers (36–24) and with the Giants (33–27) lurking three games back, every potential edge matters at this point. San Diego's front office knows the clock is ticking. With Michael King and Dylan Cease heading toward free agency, the team is approaching a win-now crossroads — and Duran could very much be part of the answer.

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the Padres have renewed interest in acquiring the dynamic Red Sox outfielder, a pursuit that dates back to previous trade cycles. This time, the fit makes even more sense. Through the first two months of the 2025 season, Duran is slashing .271/.317/.417 with 4 home runs, 34 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, and a league-leading 6 triples. He’s been one of Boston’s more consistent and exciting offensive threats, combining speed and gap power with improved plate discipline and plus defense.

The Padres tried before — here’s why a Duran deal could get done now

Duran just entered arbitration this offseason as a Super Two player, ultimately settling on a $3.75 million salary for 2025. His current deal includes a club option for 2026 at $8 million, with the potential to rise to $12 million through performance escalators. Even if Boston declines that option, Duran would still be under club control through the 2028 season, making him one of the most cost-effective and team-friendly players in the league.

For the Padres — who are actively working to reduce payroll and have been seeking an affordable solution in left field since moving on from Juan Soto — Duran represents a high-upside, financially efficient upgrade. He fills a positional need, adds a disruptive element on the bases, and could slot into the top or middle of the order without putting pressure on the team’s payroll flexibility.

Timing might be on San Diego’s side here. The Red Sox have stumbled to a 29–33 start and sit fourth in the AL East. With top outfield prospect Roman Anthony banging on the door in Triple-A, Boston may be more open than ever to leveraging Duran’s value in return for controllable, major-league-ready talent that fits their long-term vision.

The question, of course, is whether the Padres have enough to make it happen. Years of aggressive win-now moves have depleted their farm system. To land Duran, San Diego may need to create a package including a young, affordable MLB contributor — someone Boston can plug in immediately without adding financial burden alongside additional top prospects.

However San Diego has never been shy about pushing all their chips in. With a playoff race heating up and rotation anchors set to hit the market this winter, Jarren Duran could be the spark that tips the balance — and a gamble the Padres may need to take just to make it out of the NL West.