The action began on Sunday. The Phillies were in desperate need of bullpen aid. This became especially pressing after the 80-game suspension of primary lefty José Alvarado. But they found their man in veteran reliever David Robertson. The 40-year-old was a free agent and recently threw for scouts. He had a great 3.00 ERA with the Texas Rangers in 2024. Now, the Phillies think he can play a significant, high-leverage role immediately in their playoff push.
The problem for Boston? They wanted him, too. The Red Sox have bullpen needs and were heavily interested in Robertson. According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, their front office was there to see him pitch. “There were nine teams who scouted David Robertson… including Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.” In the end, Phillies’ president Dave Dombrowski won the “sweepstakes over his former team.”
After trading for their bullpen target, the Phillies may not be done dealing with Boston. Reportedly, they are also after the Red Sox’s top stars. The Athletic reports that “The Phillies are looking to boost their outfield and bullpen.” While they did address the bullpen issue, the outfield is still a need. Reports also say they “could go for a corner outfielder like Boston’s Jarren Duran.” This potential move adds a dramatic new layer to the deadline intrigue.
From Boston’s perspective, parting with Jarren Duran doesn’t scream defeat. It is a calculated move to rebalance the roster from a position of strength. The Athletic says that the Red Sox are “discussing Jarren Duran with several teams.” The reason? They have a crowded outfield. The front office reportedly envisions a future with “Wilyer Abreu in right, Ceddanne Rafaela in center, and Roman Anthony in left field.”
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The surplus gives Boston the leverage to listen to all the options for their All-Star. Boston’s asking price is very clear. “If the Red Sox trade him, it will be for a starting pitcher.” The Phillies certainly have their eye on him, but they aren’t the lone suitors—San Diego Padres also “would love to land Duran,” hinting a bidding war could soon break out for the dynamic outfielder.
Wondering why he’s so coveted on the trade market?
The price of an All-Star: Who can meet Boston’s demands?
The appeal of Jarren Duran from a trade standpoint is both his ability and his team-friendly contract. The star outfielder is under team control for three and a half more years. And the 2025 salary cost is only $3.75 million. His deal also contains an $8 million club option for 2026. However, that option voids if he is traded, a key point for any suitor.
This season, he is hitting .257 with eight homers and 16 steals. His 104 wRC+ means he is still an above-average offensive player, being an important asset for any contender.
Now, the Phillies definitely have the ingredients to satisfy Boston’s request for pitching. Their farm system is believed to be a significant strength. While top prospect Andrew Painter is reportedly “untouchable,” they have other options, too.
Right-hander Mick Abel makes the most sense as the centerpiece. He’s a top-100 prospect who has already pitched in the majors. But if Boston prefers a veteran, the Phillies might also have a steady, innings-eating presence such as Taijuan Walker.
Yet the most sensible trade partner could be the San Diego Padres. They desperately need an impact bat in their outfield. They have had one of the worst productions from left field in baseball. For Boston, San Diego’s farm system would be an ideal fit. A possible deal would presumably be built around controllable pitching prospects. That could be right-handers like Braden Nett (Padres’ No. 9 prospect) and Ryan Bergert (already thriving at Triple-A).
The Cleveland Guardians are also a “blockbuster option.” And they could make superstar closer Emmanuel Clase, who is on an incredibly team-friendly contract, available. Another interesting fit would be the Kansas City Royals, with top rental starter in Seth Lugo or maybe a controllable arm such as Brady Singer. The Seattle Mariners might also be linked to Duran with their deep well of pitching prospects.
Although only one team will acquire Duran, several are still likely to get involved in the bidding for the dynamic outfielder. Any speculations on where he can finally land?
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