Why a Brett Baty-Jarren Duran Swap Makes More Sense Than You Think
The New York Mets and Boston Red Sox might not be natural trade partners on paper, but there’s a deal out there that could benefit both clubs-and it’s not the one that’s been making the rounds.
The recent idea of a straight-up Brett Baty-for-Wilyer Abreu swap? That’s a stretch.
Not because the Mets wouldn’t want Abreu-he’s a two-time Gold Glove winner who’s shown legitimate offensive upside early in his big-league career-but because Boston has no reason to move him for Baty in a one-for-one deal. Abreu is simply the more valuable asset right now, both in terms of performance and long-term control.
But if you pivot the conversation to Jarren Duran instead of Abreu, things start to get interesting.
A Better Match: Baty for Duran
Let’s start with Baty. The 26-year-old lefty bat hasn’t broken out at the plate yet, but his defensive versatility is something Boston could use.
He’s capable at third base and can handle first as well-two spots where the Red Sox have real questions. With Triston Casas’ health still a variable and the team’s third base situation unsettled, Baty’s ability to plug multiple holes could be a selling point.
Sure, Boston might prefer a right-handed bat, but Baty’s glove and age still offer upside. That said, he’s not enough to pry away Abreu. Duran, on the other hand, is a far more realistic return.
Duran has been on the trade radar for a while now. Boston’s outfield is crowded, and while Duran has had his moments, he’s never quite locked down a long-term role. Swapping him for Baty would help clear that outfield logjam while giving the Sox a controllable infielder who fits their needs.
Why Duran Fits the Mets Better Than Abreu
From the Mets’ perspective, Duran makes more sense than Abreu for a few key reasons.
First, there’s the matter of team control. Duran has one less year of control than Abreu, which might sound like a negative on the surface-but it actually works in the Mets’ favor.
New York has top outfield prospect Carson Benge waiting in the wings. Acquiring Abreu would likely block Benge’s path to the majors for several seasons.
Duran, with his shorter team control window and positional flexibility, could serve as a bridge to Benge rather than a roadblock.
Duran’s speed and athleticism would also give the Mets a different look in the outfield. He could open the season as the starting left fielder, with the potential to slide into a DH role as Benge matures into an everyday contributor. That kind of flexibility is something the Mets could use as they reshape their roster under a new front office.
And let’s not forget: Duran has been on the market. Boston has reportedly been listening to offers, and his fit in their long-term plans has felt shaky for months. A deal like this could be the clean break both sides need.
The Bottom Line
A Baty-for-Abreu swap doesn’t hold water for Boston. But a Baty-for-Duran deal? That’s a different story.
For the Red Sox, it’s a chance to turn an expendable outfielder into a cost-controlled infielder who fills a real need. For the Mets, it’s a way to add a dynamic, short-term outfield option without blocking their top prospect. It’s the kind of trade that actually makes both teams better-not just on paper, but on the field.
Sometimes, the best moves aren’t the flashiest. They’re the ones that solve two problems at once. This could be one of those deals.