Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran understands the precarious position that trade threats face in July. Make no mistake, late July brings in trade rumors and ensuing deals that often reflect the landscape during each season.
Players move between teams in hopes of providing the spark that will help get their team over the proverbial hump. At the same time, another angle exists that doesn’t really capture the headlines that cascade over the game.
Boston Red Sox OF Jarren Duran Ignores the Trade Market, Focuses on His Team
Often, only a few reasons exist for trade deadline deals. First, teams will look to add a plug-and-play piece that will propel them deeper into playoff contention.
In contrast, others could offload valuable major league players in return for prospects they can develop, and the team possesses contractual control for years before arbitration. Lastly, a franchise employs a pending free agent who will look for suitors because they cannot afford him.
Yet, an underdiscussed part of the process needs a bit of attention. What happens to the talent that is perfectly happy where they are and desires to change addresses?
Duran discussed the situation with MassLive writer Christopher Smith.
“Honestly, that’s probably one of the things I don’t stress about,” Duran said about being mentioned in rumors. “I have no control over it. So if it happens, it happens. If it happens, it happens, but it’s all rumors for now, so I will keep having fun with my boys.
“We love the team we have, and we’re just gonna roll with what we got. I love this team. I feel like we do it all. We can hit homers. We can run. We’re athletic.”
Duran’s numbers pale compared to last year, slashing .259/.326/.442 with nine home runs and 55 runs batted in. However, you cannot dismiss the speed aspect of his game, as he leads the American League with 12 triples.
In the Red Sox’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 26, Duran saw a severe drop in the lineup, batting seventh instead of his customary first or second. The former All-Star responded with a double and two triples in a 4-2 win over the Dodgers.
According to this MassLive article, the San Diego Padres really would like to acquire Duran at the deadline.
The Padres hold the final National League wildcard spot by a single game over the Cincinnati Reds. Right now, veteran Bryce Johnson plays left field, Duran’s position. Johnson appears to be just a placeholder until the front office can wrangle a deal.
At 56-50, the Red Sox sit 7.5 games behind the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays. More importantly, they currently hold the final wildcard spot by a half-game over the Texas Rangers.
From the start, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow mentioned that he wanted to be buyers at the deadline, and Duran, by multiple accounts, could be a trade chip that he uses to strengthen the team during the stretch run. With trade rumors swirling, how will Duran play ahead of the trade deadline?