Padres need a new plan after All-Star outfielder pulled from trade talks

Despite mutual interest between the San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox dating back to the offseason, talks between the two clubs regarding outfielder Jarren Duran appear to have completely unraveled. After Boston reportedly rejected a hefty three-player offer that included Padres ace Dylan Cease and top catching prospect Ethan Salas, the Red Sox have gone one step further, seemingly taking Duran off the table entirely.

According to MassLive’s Sean McAdam, Boston is now “likely” to move Duran at some point, but not at this deadline. That vague stance doesn’t do the Padres, or any other suitor much good. It only signals that the Red Sox, once considered rich with outfield talent, have shifted their internal calculus. The same player who was causing a logjam in the outfield is now viewed as too valuable to move.

Padres forced to pivot after Red Sox pull All-Star outfielder off trade block

And maybe he is. The Red Sox went into the All-Star break riding a 10-game winning streak and now find themselves in the thick of the playoff race. They’re currently third in the AL East and holding onto the final Wild Card spot. Since the break, Boston has cooled off while facing a brutal stretch against the Cubs, Phillies, and Dodgers — but they’re still in contention. Duran might give them their best shot at October.

Meanwhile in San Diego, the Padres are left to pivot. They’ve made no secret of their desire to upgrade the left field position, and Duran, under club control through 2028 was a top-tier solution. His name surfacing in discussions made sense for a Padres front office known for big swings, especially one navigating a roster built to win now. But with Duran no longer an option, GM A.J. Preller will need to get creative.

The expectation remains that San Diego will continue shopping Cease, not necessarily in a full-scale teardown, but in an attempt to better balance the roster. The focus remains an impact corner outfielder and potentially another arm.

With the deadline nearing, the Padres’ path forward will hinge on how aggressive they remain. Duran might’ve been the dream fit, but there are still other names out there. The Padres just need to move quickly, and wisely to stay on course.

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