Red Sox Trade of Jarren Duran Would 'Make Sense' According to Jim Bowden

The San Diego Padres are interested in trading for Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran. One year ago, the Padres also expressed interest in the Red Sox outfielder. The Duran trade rumors have been around for over a year, and now they are starting back up. 

During a segment on Foul Territory, former MLB executive Jim Bowden talked about the Duran trade rumors and his view of their legitimacy. While he doesn't believe Duran will be traded to the Padres, he does see a move of Duran making sense.

"Trading Duran makes sense," Bowden said. "It would not surprise me at all if Craig Breslow, GM of the Red Sox, plans to trade Duran, because otherwise, why haven't they made room for Anthony?"

A large reason why Bowden believes a move of Duran makes sense is to make room for the number one overall prospect, Roman Anthony. Duran and Anthony are both outfielders, and to make room for Anthony, Bowden believes trading Duran is a solution.

Not only does he believe trading Duran makes sense, but he also sees Craig Breslow as capable of trading Duran to make room for Anthony. While Duran has ingrained himself into the Red Sox fandom, the Red Sox could look to move him in favor of Anthony.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran (16) hits a double against the New York Mets during the fourth inning at Fenway Park.

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Another factor at play is Ceddane Rafaela likely keeping his spot in center field. Despite his poor offensive numbers, the Red Sox "love Rafaela defensively," according to Bowden.

The Red Sox also won't move off Gold Glove winner Wilyer Abreu, especially after his hot start offensively to the 2025 season. That leaves Rafaela and Duran as the two most likely spots for Anthony to take over when he's called up.

With the Red Sox's infatuation with Rafaela's defense and the rumors surrounding Duran picking up steam, all signs point towards a Duran trade. Bowden saying a trade makes sense, and that he wouldn't be surprised if Breslow moved Duran, are two strong indicators that MLB personnel also believe Duran is available.

The Duran rumors have picked up drastically in the matter over a few hours on Monday, June 2nd. While no trade discussions have been reported, and nothing is close to being done, the Duran trade rumors are real and could materialize quickly.