MLB insider believes that Red Sox All-Star is a good for SF Giants division rival

The Boston Red Sox have already made one stunning trade with the SF Giants this season. Could they make another with a division rival? Bob Nightengale of USA Today believes that the San Diego Padres make a lot of sense for All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran.

MLB insider believes that Red Sox All-Star is a good for SF Giants division rival

The NL West has become a prime landing spot for a lot of former Red Sox All-Stars. Of course, Boston shipped Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. That deal highlights why the team acquiring the proven player tends to get the better end of the trade, as the Red Sox did not receive much value in return.

The Red Sox were motivated to move Betts, when it became apparent that they could not sign him to a long-term deal. Shortly after the trade, the eight-time All-Star agreed to a 12-year, $365 million pact.

The next player to move out west was Xander Bogaerts. He joined the San Diego Padres on an 11-year, $280 million deal. At the time, it was mildly surprising to see Boston let Bogaerts walk, as it felt like he would always be in a Red Sox uniform. That deal has not aged well, as his offense has declined rapidly, but his defense at shortstop has shown improvement this season.

Shortly after Bogaerts walked, the Red Sox signed Rafael Devers to a 10-year, $313.5 million extension. We know how that one played out.

Now, another Red Sox All-Star made be on the move. The Red Sox seem willing to move Duran at the right asking price. The left-handed bat gained Super 2 status in the offseason, meaning that he is eligible for four trips through arbitration.

Instead, he agreed to a $3.85 million deal for 2025 with a team option for 2026. Regardless of whether the Red Sox exercise that option, Duran is still under his rookie control.

This is an important point because it means that there is quite a bit of team control remaining for a player who finished in eighth place in the AL MVP voting last season after posting an .834 OPS with 21 home runs and 75 RBI.

The 2024 AL All-Star has not quite lived up to that performance this season, posting a .742 OPS with seven home runs and 47 RBI in 417 plate appearances. Even that level of production, combined with a lot of team control, holds considerable value.

If a team like the Padres were to get involved, it would be hard to match their offer. Team president of baseball operations A.J. Preller is among the most aggressive executives in baseball and often puts together a trade package that most teams struggle to match.

It would be mildly entertaining to see former Red Sox players continue to filter into the NL West. Quite a few have made their way already, and Duran could be next.