The Philadelphia Phillies are shaping up to be one of the more intriguing teams to watch this winter, and it’s not just because of free agency. With Kyle Schwarber and J.T.
Realmuto hitting the open market and several roster holes to address, the front office has its hands full. But beyond free agency, the trade market is where things could really heat up - and one name to watch closely is Alec Bohm.
For the second straight offseason, Bohm’s future in Philadelphia is uncertain. He’s been a steady presence at third base, but with the Phillies exploring ways to retool the roster, he could be part of a bigger move. According to reports, there’s growing buzz around a potential trade involving Bohm and Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran - a swap that could address needs for both teams.
Why Duran Makes Sense for Philly
Let’s start with Duran. The 29-year-old outfielder is coming off a solid 2025 campaign, hitting .256 with a .774 OPS across 157 games.
But it’s his 2024 season that really turned heads - 8.7 bWAR, 48 doubles, 14 triples, and elite-level speed that made him one of the most dynamic players in the American League. He followed that up in 2025 with another league-leading 13 triples, showing that his speed and gap power are no fluke.
Duran brings a career .780 OPS and a left-handed bat, which would fit nicely into a Phillies lineup already featuring lefty outfielders like Brandon Marsh and top prospect Justin Crawford. But Duran’s profile is different - he’s not just another lefty bat. He’s a potential top-of-the-order spark plug with elite speed, solid defense in center field, and the kind of energy that can shift the tone of a game.
For a Phillies team that’s lacked a true long-term answer in center field, Duran could be the guy. He’s under club control through 2028, which makes him more than just a short-term fix - he’s a potential cornerstone for the next several seasons.
What Would It Take to Get Him?
Now, the big question: what would it take to land Duran? Alec Bohm alone likely doesn’t get it done.
While he’s a solid hitter and has shown real growth at the plate, Duran’s upside and team-friendly contract make him a highly valuable trade chip. That said, the Phillies probably wouldn’t have to dip into their top-tier prospects to make this deal work.
A package built around Bohm and a mid-level prospect or two might be enough to get Boston’s attention.
From the Red Sox perspective, Bohm offers a potential upgrade at third base and brings a consistent bat to a lineup that has been searching for stability. He’s also under team control, giving Boston some cost certainty at a premium position.
The Ripple Effect
If the Phillies do pull off a deal for Duran, it could open the door for additional moves. Brandon Marsh, who’s been a solid contributor when healthy, could suddenly become expendable - and that could give President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski another trade chip to work with. Marsh has value, and flipping him in a separate deal could help the Phillies address other needs, whether it’s bullpen depth, starting pitching, or corner infield help.
This kind of roster reshuffling is exactly what you’d expect from a team trying to stay in contention while also planning for the future. Duran gives them a dynamic center fielder under control for several more seasons. Bohm, while productive, might be more valuable to another team that can give him a fresh start and a clear path to everyday reps.
Bottom Line
If the Phillies can swing a deal for Jarren Duran without giving up one of their top three prospects, it’s a move they should absolutely explore. It checks a lot of boxes - athleticism, defense, speed, long-term control - and it gives them a chance to reshape the outfield with a player who’s shown he can impact games in multiple ways.
It’s not often you get a shot at a player with Duran’s upside without gutting your farm system. If the opportunity is there, the Phillies would be wise to make the call.