The Houston Astros are facing a bit of a conundrum after trading outfielder Jesus Sanchez to the Toronto Blue Jays. With Sanchez gone, the Astros find themselves a bit thin on left-handed hitters.
Joey Loperfido and Zach Cole are the only lefties projected to face right-handed pitching, according to FanGraphs. To truly bolster their lineup alongside Yordan Alvarez, they'll need a seasoned middle-of-the-order bat.
Adding to their challenges, veterans like Jose Altuve and Christian Walker are entering the twilight years of their careers, both being on the wrong side of 35. So, how does general manager Dana Brown plan to address this pressing issue?
Enter the possibility of a trade with the Boston Red Sox. Jarren Duran, a name that has surfaced in trade talks frequently, could be the answer. Duran is a dynamic player, known for his power at the plate and speed on the basepaths, making him a valuable asset for any team.
The Red Sox might be open to dealing Duran due to their wealth of outfield talent. Despite his $8 million salary being a potential sticking point, the Astros have been linked to Duran as a potential fit throughout the offseason. His ability to bring power and speed could be precisely what the Astros need to revitalize their lineup.
Duran’s accolades include being named the All-Star Game MVP in 2024, and he's consistently delivered with 16 or more home runs and 41 or more doubles in the past two seasons. While his batting average took a dip in 2025, the Astros might overlook this if Duran can boost his walk rate and create more run-scoring opportunities.
In the end, acquiring Duran could be a strategic move for the Astros, addressing both their immediate need for a left-handed bat and adding a new dynamic to their offensive strategy.