The Philadelphia Phillies could be looking for an outfielder at the trade deadline. There could be an All-Star available from the AL East when the trade deadline gets closer.
The Phillies have the sixth-worst OPS from center field and the ninth-worst from left field. Only Nick Castellanos has produced offensively from their outfield, and if the Phillies want to make a World Series run, that will have to change. Max Kepler, Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh are all subject to be replaced at this year's trade deadline.
The Phillies front office has been aggressive in its pursuit of a championship. They should be able to add an outfielder this summer, and FanSided's Matt Davis suggested that Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox could be a target. The Athletic's Jim Bowden recently reported that the Red Sox will try to trade one of their outfielders this summer.
"The Boston Red Sox are well on their way to another mediocre season, and a shakeup could be in the mix for them," wrote Davis. "No. 1 overall prospect, outfielder Roman Anthony, has been called up for his opportunity in the majors, so a trade for Duran could be a possibility for the Phillies if the Red Sox need to make room on their roster."
"Duran had a breakout year last year in Boston posting a .834 OPS and finished third in fWAR with 6.7," Davis continued. "His fWAR finished only behind Aaron Judge (11.2) and Juan Soto (8.1). Duran delivers elite pop and is always an extra-base threat, as he lead baseball in 2024 in doubles (48) and triples (14). He finished with an All-Star selection and was eighth in AL MVP voting."
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Duran was the All-Star game MVP last season as well. He is slashing .271/.325/.428 this season with an American League-leading seven triples. He may be the odd man out in the Red Sox outfield.
Anthony is not a trade candidate. Ceddanne Rafaela is signed to a long-term extension. Wilyer Abreu was a Gold Glove Award winner as a rookie, is younger than Duran and has more club control. The Phillies could get Duran and add an All-Star to their outfield, and for more than just this season.
Duran has an $8 million club option next season and is under club control through 2028. He is projected to earn a six-year, $123 million contract as a free agent.
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