Red Sox Trade Idea Sends Jarren Duran to Guardians for Emmanuel Clase

Red Sox Trade Idea Sends Jarren Duran to Guardians for Emmanuel Clase originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Boston Red Sox, if they are buyers at the MLB trade deadline, will be looking to add pitching help. With holes in the rotation and the bullpen, the Red Sox could target either position group.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic presented a trade idea that would land the Red Sox a much-needed reliever, but at the cost of All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran. 

"The guardians need offense. If they trade Clase, they need to focus on young bats." Bowden wrote. "Offer him to the Red Sox for Jarren Duran."

While a Duran for Clase deal would, in theory, help both sides, there's a major caveat to such a deal. The Red Sox would need to go on a winning streak ahead of the MLB trade deadline to justify the deal.

"But if I'm Boston and your scenario plays out," Bowden writes, "I would look to add Emmanuel Clase..."

He twice mentions Clase as a fit for the Red Sox, and with Liam Hendriks out for a while, and the rest of the bullpen, other than Aroldis Chapman, struggling, his addition would be a welcome one.

Chapman could also be on the move, even if the Red Sox decide to buy. They could use him to land help elsewhere on the roster, and land Clase to replace him in the long term.

While Clase (3.12 ERA) hasn't been as good as Chapman (1.25 ERA) this season, there hasn't been a better reliever season in recent history than Clase's 2024. He had a 0.61 ERA, 47 saves, and a ridiculous 667 ERA+.

Part of why such a trade idea could work is that Duran might be forced out of the lineup. Wilyer Abreu, Ceddane Rafaela, and Roman Anthony are all slated to be outfielders this season.

And with Masataka Yoshida and Rob Refsnyder slated to platoon at designated hitter, there isn't a clear spot for Duran. Moving on from Duran wouldn't be a surprise. 

Bowden doesn't elaborate beyond Duran for Clase, but other players could be involved in such a trade idea. Good, young bats are seldom available, and Duran might be the best option for Cleveland. 

This trade idea from the former MLB executive is an interesting one, as it'd send the Red Sox All-Star in exchange for one of Major League Baseball's top relievers in recent years.

Related: Red Sox Could Trade Alex Bregman Amid Contract Questions

Related: Former Red Sox Rafael Devers Continues to Cause Drama With Giants

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.