The New York Mets are currently leading the National League East, but it seems like it will be a tight race throughout the year. They may be looking to add upgrades near the trade deadline.
The Mets have used Tyrone Taylor as their primary center fielder. He plays great defense, but leaves much to be desired at the plate. The Boston Red Sox are struggling and could be sellers at the trade deadline. They’ve gotten some interest in Jarren Duran, and Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed this trade that would bring Duran to Queens:
- Mets receive: Jarren Duran
- Red Sox receive: Mark Vientos, Brandon Sproat and Jesus Baez
Vientos, and two of the best prospects in the organization, is a hefty price, but one the Mets may be willing to pay. Duran was an All-Star last season, but the Red Sox may have no choice but to trade him soon.
Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu have been the primary trio in the Red Sox outfield. Rafaela and Abreu are already signed to long-term deals and there is currently no room for top prospect Roman Anthony. Trading Duran could get Anthony called up and add some players for the team to build around.
“The position has mostly been in Tyrone Taylor’s care, and he has just a .632 OPS and one homer to show for his season so far,” Rymer wrote of center field. “A better use for him would be as a fourth outfielder whose glove would play at all three spots. Besides which, the Mets could use Duran’s athleticism in their offense. They only have 46 stolen bases as a team and generally play it station-to-station on the basepaths.”
Duran has an $8 million club option for next season and will be a free agent in 2029. Spotrac projects him to earn a six-year, $123 million deal. It’s unlikely the Red Sox will pay him, knowing Anthony is their future. However, he could end up becoming a key player for the Mets’ future. He is slashing .273/.318/.424 this year. He leads all of baseball in triples and has 13 stolen bases.
