The Boston Red Sox have been busy this offseason, making strategic moves to strengthen their roster. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow tapped into the team's robust minor league system to acquire pitchers Sonny Gray and Jovan Oviedo, infielders Caleb Durbin and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and first baseman Wilson Contreras, who also serves as a designated hitter. Yet, according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, there might be one more trade in the works.
While Breslow has shored up pitching and defense, there's still some work to be done on the offensive side. Rosenthal suggests that the Red Sox might consider moving an outfielder, likely Jarren Duran, to create more opportunities for Masataka Yoshida at DH. With Duran and Roman Anthony expected to share left-field and DH duties, this move could be key.
Duran has been a hot topic in trade discussions this offseason. Red Sox manager Alex Cora faces a challenge in finding playing time for the 29-year-old, especially with Roman Anthony stepping into left field and Gold Glovers Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu anchoring center and right field. Despite Duran's surplus status, Breslow seems hesitant to part with the 2024 All-Star Game MVP.
Rosenthal also points to Houston Astros All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes as a potential trade target for Boston. Paredes could fit well at third base, allowing Durbin to play second and reducing reliance on the oft-injured Marcelo Mayer.
As spring training kicks off, the buzz around a possible Duran-for-Paredes trade is growing. Bleacher Report analyst Zachary D. Reimer echoed this idea, noting that the Astros have been seen as a good fit for Duran, given their need for a left-handed-hitting outfielder with power and speed.
Paredes, who hit 20 home runs last season, is on a one-year, $9.4 million contract, making the financial aspect of the trade nearly even for this season. However, Paredes has a club option for 2027 at $13.4 million, offering the Red Sox a cost-controlled option if the trade pans out well.
This potential move could be the final piece in the Red Sox's offseason puzzle, setting them up for a competitive run.