The Boston Red Sox outfield is crowded with young talent. Sooner or later, the team will have to move on from someone, which will be difficult as they have four players capable of being everyday starters.
Between Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony, Ceddanee Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, one player is likely to be traded soon. Duran and Abreu are the only real candidates, as Anthony is the top prospect in baseball and Rafaela is already signed to an extension. Trading either player won't be easy, but could yield a great return.
Abreu is a Gold Glove Award winner and is under club control through 2029. Duran was an All-Star last season and can change games with his athleticism. However, he is older than Abreu and has less club control. The Athletic's Jim Bowden polled 40-plus MLB executives and some thought Duran would be on the move at this year's trade deadline.
"I was surprised by how many front office executives mentioned Duran. It makes me think the Red Sox may have decided Wilyer Abreu will play right field and Roman Anthony will play left going forward," wrote Bowden. "Duran, 28, is under team control through 2028. Last year, he led the majors in doubles (48) and triples (14) and had 21 homers, 75 RBIs and 34 stolen bases. This year, he is slashing .253/.313/.410 with 20 doubles and a league-leading nine triples. He has been linked with the Padres and Phillies in trade talks."
Duran has not been able to repeat his production from last year. However, he still has great trade value. He can be an everyday player for a contender for the next few years.
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The Red Sox would then have a clear outfield trio for years to come. With Abreu, Duran and Anthony, the Red Sox would have one of the best defensive outfields in baseball.
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