Following a disheartening wild-card series loss to the Chicago Cubs, the San Diego Padres may be gearing up for another hectic offseason full of significant transactions.
General manager A.J. Preller has a reputation for being active in the trade market, having acquired Mason Miller from the Athletics before this year’s deadline. During his time in San Diego, Preller acquired Dylan Cease and Juan Soto through trade, while also signing Yu Darvish, Xander Bogaerts, and Manny Machado as big free agents.
According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer, Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox might be Preller’s next target. Rymer’s proposed trade would send Duran and Masataka Yoshida to San Diego in exchange for reliever Jeremiah Estrada and Ethan Salas, the Padres’ top prospect.
If Luis Arraez leaves in free agency, Yoshida’s contact-hitting abilities might make him an ideal replacement. However, adding two outfielders may be a stumbling block with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill already in the mix. The team is also set to execute Ramon Laureano’s option, further complicating the outfield situation.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, may be willing to trade Duran for similar reasons. With Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, and top prospect Roman Anthony competing for playing time, Boston’s outfield is deep. Estrada would provide the Red Sox with a capable bullpen arm, while Salas remains one of baseball’s most promising young catchers, despite recent struggles.
Given that Duran was connected to the Padres at the 2025 trade deadline, it’s not unexpected that Preller considers another dramatic move this winter.