Reds Eye Red Sox Star Jarren Duran, But Potential Trade Could Come at a High Price
Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall faces a major decision as the MLB trade deadline approaches: how far is the team willing to go to land a top-tier outfielder? One name rising to the top of the list is Boston Red Sox standout Jarren Duran — but prying him away won’t come cheap.
Duran, 28, is enjoying a strong season with Boston, posting a .258 batting average, eight home runs, 50 RBIs, 16 stolen bases, and a 107 OPS+. Though naturally a center fielder, he’s spent most of 2025 in left field due to the emergence of Ceddanne Rafaela. With younger outfielders like Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, and Roman Anthony in Boston’s system, Duran could be available — but only for the right price.
What Will It Cost?
Boston’s biggest need is starting pitching — something the Reds have in supply. However, their most prized arms, All-Star Andrew Abbott and rookie Chase Burns, are reportedly untouchable. That leaves Hunter Greene, Rhett Lowder, Chase Petty, and most notably, Nick Lodolo, as potential trade pieces.
While Greene and Lowder are on the injured list and Petty has struggled since his call-up, Lodolo has emerged as Cincinnati’s most reliable starter in 2025. He’s made a team-high 20 starts, owns a 3.33 ERA, and is just a few innings away from a new personal best in workload. After years of battling injuries, Lodolo’s newfound consistency could make him both extremely valuable — and incredibly difficult to part with.
The Dilemma
If the Reds are serious about acquiring Duran — who is not only a difference-maker but also under team control for several more seasons — Boston will likely insist on a trade package centered around Lodolo. That poses a difficult choice for Cincinnati: sacrifice one of their top starting pitchers to shore up a pressing outfield need or seek a more affordable option elsewhere.
Duran could be the most impactful outfielder available before July 31, but landing him would mean giving up a proven arm with multiple years of control. The Reds are in playoff contention and looking to buy — but this deal, if it happens, may come with a price that stings.
