Red Sox Predicted to Trade All-Star in Blockbuster Deal for Guardians Pitcher

Red Sox Predicted to Trade All-Star in Blockbuster Deal for Guardians Pitcher originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The availability of Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has become one of the most polarizing topics as the trade deadline approaches. On one hand, trading away an All-Star caliber outfielder amid a postseason chase does not sound logical. However, with the emergence of Wilyer Abreu as a middle-of-the-lineup bat, Ceddanne Rafaela’s impressive end to the first half, and top prospect Roman Anthony needing everyday reps, Duran could be dangled at the deadline with a hefty price tag attached.

Boston’s most glaring needs reside in the starting rotation. If Duran can be flipped for an elite-level arm, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow would at least have to consider it. However, Mike Axisa of CBS Sports predicts the Red Sox to ship the All-Star to the Cleveland Guardians in a blockbuster deal for closer Emmanuel Clase.

“I'll say there will be more pieces involved to even things out -- but Clase for Duran will be the meat of it. The Red Sox get a late-inning dominator and the Guardians get 3 ½ years of a power/speed threat who can play center field, which is exactly the kind of player they can never afford in free agency,” wrote Axisa. “Cleveland won't give Clase away. To trade him, they'll need to get multiple years of an all-around impact player, and that's Duran. The Red Sox would upgrade the bullpen, which takes on increased importance in October, which is where they're headed.”

Trading Duran should be a realistic option for Boston if they can acquire a player of Clase’s status. The 27-year-old flamethrower had a rough start to his 2025 season but has since rounded back into his dominant form. In 43.1 innings, Clase has a 2.91 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 20 saves.

One hiccup in Axisa’s prediction is that the Red Sox already have an All-Star closer in Aroldis Chapman, and trading Duran for Clase may seem redundant, knowing the other needs Boston could fill by shopping Duran. Yet, Chapman is only under contract through the remainder of the season, whereas Clase is signed through 2028. Could the extra years of control persuade the Red Sox to make a deal?

The scenario is certainly intriguing, albeit unlikely. Although the Red Sox may hold the keys to another blockbuster trade if they are willing to part ways with Duran at this year’s trade deadline.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.