Boston Red Sox Scramble for Power Hitter, Consider Trading Ceddanne Rafaela or Jarren Duran
The Red Sox are looking to upgrade their infield and have reportedly targeted several players. Their initial target was Arizona Diamondbacks' three-time All-Star Ketel Marte, but a deal never materialized. Meanwhile, the Astros have also come under consideration for third baseman Isaac Paredes.
Paredes would be an ideal addition to Boston's lineup as a right-handed power-hitter with 92 home runs in his six-year major league career and a career OPS of .766. He is a dead pull hitter from the right side, making him a perfect fit for Fenway Park. In 2025, Paredes posted an impressive OPS of .809 and all 26 of his home runs that year were hit to left field.
However, acquiring Paredes may be tougher than expected. According to "Raise the Banner" podcast host Matt Couture and The Athletic's Chandler Rome, the Astros have no interest in moving Paredes. Rome suggests that if Boston offers either Ceddanne Rafaela or Jarren Duran, Paredes might consider joining the Red Sox.
Duran has been a hot commodity in trade rumors this offseason. While he is an excellent offensive player with 91 career stolen bases, his value lies more in his speed and defensive capabilities rather than pure power. Rafaela, on the other hand, brings power to the table but struggles defensively.
In all likelihood, Jarren Duran would be the one on the block as Roman Anthony seems certain to take the Fenway Park left field spot. The Red Sox must weigh whether Paredes is worth trading either of these outfielders for. With Duran becoming expendable, it's unclear if he would be enough of a return to justify making such a trade.
The question remains, how much will it take to get Paredes? Is the offer too steep, or will Boston make it happen with one of their talented outfielders? The Red Sox are left with little choice but to pursue Paredes and see if he can help them find the necessary power at the hot corner.
The Red Sox are looking to upgrade their infield and have reportedly targeted several players. Their initial target was Arizona Diamondbacks' three-time All-Star Ketel Marte, but a deal never materialized. Meanwhile, the Astros have also come under consideration for third baseman Isaac Paredes.
Paredes would be an ideal addition to Boston's lineup as a right-handed power-hitter with 92 home runs in his six-year major league career and a career OPS of .766. He is a dead pull hitter from the right side, making him a perfect fit for Fenway Park. In 2025, Paredes posted an impressive OPS of .809 and all 26 of his home runs that year were hit to left field.
However, acquiring Paredes may be tougher than expected. According to "Raise the Banner" podcast host Matt Couture and The Athletic's Chandler Rome, the Astros have no interest in moving Paredes. Rome suggests that if Boston offers either Ceddanne Rafaela or Jarren Duran, Paredes might consider joining the Red Sox.
Duran has been a hot commodity in trade rumors this offseason. While he is an excellent offensive player with 91 career stolen bases, his value lies more in his speed and defensive capabilities rather than pure power. Rafaela, on the other hand, brings power to the table but struggles defensively.
In all likelihood, Jarren Duran would be the one on the block as Roman Anthony seems certain to take the Fenway Park left field spot. The Red Sox must weigh whether Paredes is worth trading either of these outfielders for. With Duran becoming expendable, it's unclear if he would be enough of a return to justify making such a trade.
The question remains, how much will it take to get Paredes? Is the offer too steep, or will Boston make it happen with one of their talented outfielders? The Red Sox are left with little choice but to pursue Paredes and see if he can help them find the necessary power at the hot corner.
... I mean, Ketel Marte is still out there, right? Ceddanne Rafaela has some pop in his bat tho 
, but Jarren Duran's speed is insane! If Red Sox wanna get Paredes tho, they're gonna have to give up something big 
. Idk if it's worth it tho...
, might be time for Sox to move him already 
boston's gotta do what's best for the team, but it's hard not to feel like they're throwing out their most promising outfielders in hopes of snagging pareses 
, and whats wrong with Duran anyway? He's got speed, defense, and he's getting a shot at the starting spot, thats all anyone can ask for right now. The Sox need to focus on improving their pitching staff instead of trying to fix everything with power hitters...
they got some decent prospects coming up, i think they need a shakeup in their lineup too! its gonna be tough for boston to make this happen though, if they wanna get paresdes they gotta give up something of real value not just duran or rafaela 