Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran admitted he anticipated being traded or released by the team prior to Monday's trade deadline, citing his significant struggles at the plate this season. "To be honest, I thought I was going to be released…I am the worst player in MLB statistically," Duran said, according to the Boston Globe's Alex Speier. He added, "I hate looking at the numbers, but when you’re going bad, you look at the numbers and it was pretty obvious how bad I was."
Duran, who is batting .203 with 15 home runs and a .613 OPS in 105 games this season, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to remain with the organization. "I’m just thankful that I have the opportunity to continue this run with this team and this organization, and hopefully make a playoff push," he stated.
Trade rumors had previously linked Duran to the Padres in 2025 and again leading up to the recent deadline. These rumors were amplified by the Red Sox's outfield depth, which included players like Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Masataka Yoshida. However, Anthony's season-long injury has impacted the team's outfield alignment.
Red Sox leadership informed Duran shortly before the deadline that he would not be traded, as reported by MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo. Despite Duran's offensive difficulties this season, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported in early June that the Red Sox maintained a high asking price for teams expressing interest in the outfielder.
The Red Sox were active buyers at the deadline, a move that followed a remarkable 21-4 record in July, marking their best monthly performance in franchise history. The team's notable acquisitions included catcher Adley Rutschman from the Orioles, pitcher Erik Miller, and outfielder Eli White.
In a recent game against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, Duran went 2-for-4 with a home run in the first inning of the Red Sox's 14-2 victory. He currently holds a .614 OPS for the season.