Red Sox All-Star Jarren Duran Still Drawing Strong Interest From Padres

This season, one of the earliest trade deadline rumors was the Boston Red Sox drawing trade interest from the San Diego Padres for All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran.

Now, well over a month since the connection was made, and despite the messaging from the Red Sox that Duran isn't going anywhere, the Padres remain steadfast in their interest in the Red Sox star.

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the Padres "Remain enamored of Jarren Duran, who still might be viewed as expendable by the surging, outfielder-laden Boston Red Sox."

Adding a player like Duran would cost the Padres a ton, especially with Duran under team control through 2028. But the Red Sox, despite their crowded outfield, have shown no inclination they want move the All-Star outfielder.

Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddane Rafaela, and Duran make up one of the strongest outfields in the game. With Rob Rofsnyder and Masataka Yoshida as potential options, Boston also has a surplus of outfield talent.

Moving on from Duran for a huge haul would make some sense, but the issue is that the Padres don't have the ideal return the Red Sox are looking for. Boston needs starting pitching, and the Padres are unlikely to move Dylan Cease or Michael King in the middle of trying to contend.

Duran is one of the most intriguing names at this year's MLB trade deadline. While he's coming off an elite season, where he put up 8.7 WAR and won All-Star Game MVP, he hasn't been as great this season.

He has a .258 batting average with eight home runs and 103 hits before the All-Star break. His .834 OPS in 2024 has dropped to a .749 OPS this season.

His struggles at the plate have potentially lowered his trade value, making a move much more difficult to achieve. But, if Craig Breslow and company get a strong offer from the Padres, they could look to swing a deal involving Duran.

San Diego is relentless in their pursuit of Duran. Despite a Duran trade seemingly unlikely, they are still vying to land the 28-year-old outfielder.