Overview
- Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer predicted San Diego would acquire Duran and Masataka Yoshida for reliever Jeremiah Estrada and top catching prospect Ethan Salas.
- Sporting News outlined why the concept could appeal to both sides, citing Boston’s bullpen and catching needs plus a surplus of outfielders Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Roman Anthony.
- The fit in San Diego is complicated by an already crowded outfield featuring Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill, with Ramon Laureano’s option expected to be exercised.
- Duran’s 2025 performance—.256 average, .774 OPS, 41 doubles, 13 triples and 16 home runs—underscores his value as a controllable player.
- The Padres were linked to Duran at the July deadline, and A.J. Preller’s history of aggressive deals sustains the plausibility of an offseason pursuit.