Athletics Could Explore a Trade for Jarren Duran
The Athletics have emerged as a possible fit for Boston outfielder Jarren Duran after a difficult 2026 season. The trade idea was raised on November 4 as Oakland considers changes for next season.
Oakland could look to add Boston outfielder Jarren Duran as it reshapes its roster for next season. The Athletics finished fourth in the American League West in 2026, and replaced longtime general manager David Forst with Taylor Smith, who joined from the Red Sox and has already brought in former Boston player Nate Eaton.
Duran’s production has fallen since a standout 2024 campaign, when he hit .285, posted an .834 OPS and ranked eighth in American League MVP voting. He also led the majors in doubles and triples and was selected as an All-Star. His OPS slipped to .774 in 2025, and he hit .207 in 2026. By the end of the season, he had moved lower in Boston’s batting order and was used more often in a platoon role.
A move to Oakland could give Duran a fresh start, but the team’s current outfielders could make playing time difficult. Tyler Soderstrom, Henry Bolte and Lawrence Butler are already in the mix. One possible route would be trading Butler, who is under contract but has been inconsistent over the past two seasons, then putting Duran in right field, with Soderstrom in left and Bolte in center.
Outfield is not considered a major need for Oakland this offseason. The case for pursuing Duran would depend on whether the Athletics believe he can recapture the form he showed in 2024, and whether they are willing to alter their current outfield plans.
