MLB Rumors: Red Sox Have ‘No Plans’ To Trade All-Star At Deadline

Boston Red Sox fans aren’t likely to bid farewell to another star before Thursday’s trade deadline.

Speculation about Boston dealing Jarren Duran has dominated the hot stove in recent weeks. However, the Red Sox reportedly aren’t expected to move the 2024 All-Star MVP.

Boston has “no plans” to trade Duran before the deadline, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

The San Diego Padres have surfaced as a motivated suitor, reportedly offering starting pitcher Dylan Cease and teenage catching prospect Ethan Salas in a deal Boston quickly turned down. Nightengale confirmed that Boston has rejected San Diego’s proposals for Duran.

Duran hasn’t lived up to last year’s MVP-caliber campaign, batting .259/.326/.442 with nine home runs in 467 plate appearances. Yet the 28-year-old is heating up with a 1.010 OPS this month.

The outfielder displayed his gap power with a double and two triples in Saturday’s 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, a game started by left-hander Clayton Kershaw. Duran told reporters after the win, via NESN on X, that he’s not worrying about trade rumors.

“Honestly, that’s probably one of the things I actually don’t stress about,” Duran said. “I have no control over it. So if it happens, it happens. But I don’t have social media like Twitter and stuff like that, so I never kind of see any of that stuff.”

Boston’s crowded outfield has sparked discussions over whether the playoff contenders could shop Duran for pitching or infield help. The Red Sox appeared to have found another solution, playing center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela at second base since placing Marcelo Mayer on the injured list.

Duran probably won’t change uniforms in the next few days, but he’ll switch lineup spots when batting third in Sunday afternoon’s game against the Dodgers.