Red Sox's 'awkward situation' could lead to a trade of .519 OPS All-Star

Red Sox's 'awkward situation' could lead to a trade of .519 OPS All-Star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Amid their slow start, the Boston Red Sox have big decisions to make in the outfield.

That's especially true because their infielders are not hitting well. The trade deadline is still months away, but the AL East club could flip one of its four outfielders for offensive upgrades on the dirt.

ESPN's David Schoenfield wrote Monday that Boston's most likely trade candidate is the 2024 All-Star Game MVP.

"[Jarren] Duran is also scuffling, and the episode last week, when he flipped off a heckler, points to his frustration," Schoenfield wrote. "Duran is a good player with a lot of trade value because he's under team control through 2028, but if the infielders don't start hitting, the Red Sox will have to consider a roster realignment."

The 29-year-old has just a .519 OPS in 71 trips to the plate and is not hitting for extra bases or power. Duran, who led the Majors with 48 doubles two seasons ago, has just three doubles thus far.

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Perhaps a trade would be the best route for the Red Sox to take. Duran could have a fresh start with a new team, despite being a fan favorite in Boston.

For the Red Sox to maximize the return value of a potential deal, Duran will have to start getting hot at the plate sooner rather than later. If the team continues their losing ways, they will undoubtedly be sellers at the deadline.