Cubs could target Jarren Duran but Red Sox have one decision to make

We've suggested in the past that under the right circumstances, there's a world where Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran could be a fit for the Chicago Cubs this offseason. Duran has been forced out of a regular in Boston's starting lineup, and with a projected salary bump to $11 million this offseason, he figures to be a trade candidate.

The problem for the Red Sox is that all of baseball is aware of Duran's situation, and it doesn't help that he struggled in 2026. He slashed .207/.266/.361 with a wRC+ of 69. He still managed a 20-20 season, so the appeal isn't completely lost, but the Boston has very little leverage in trade talks this offseason.

With non-tender decisions looming at the end of the month, decision time is quickly approaching for the Red Sox. The situation is also accelerated by the fact that the offseason will come to a screeching halt after December 1. The impression is that the Red Sox could be inching closer to the idea that non-tendering Duran is the only option available to them.

Cubs' interest in Jarren Duran comes with a one Red Sox roster complication

If that's the case, then it would seem the Cubs will be among the teams to check in on the 30-year-old outfielder. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon suggested that the Cubs would have interest in Duran this offseason, but only if he's non-tendered by the Red Sox.

Under a scenario where Duran hits free agency, it's the type of buy-low move the Cubs probably prefer for the outfield. Duran is only two seasons removed from hitting 21 home runs with the Red Sox, stealing 34 base, and posting a 132 wRC+. On a much smaller scale, pursuing Duran would be similar to when the Cubs took a flier on Cody Bellinger after he non-tendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers after the 2022 season.

Specific to Duran, while it wasn't the case last year, his career splits would suggest that he's an ideal pairing with Matt Shaw or Pedro Ramirez for a corner outfield spot. 60 of Duran's career 70 home runs have been against right-handed pitchers, and he carries a wRC+ of 115 against righties. With the success Shaw and Ramirez have against lefties, pairing them with Duran would be an ideal way for Craig Counsell to play the matchup game in the outfield next season. Along those lines, it's probably why the Cubs are willing to let the situation play out instead of jumping Duran's market with a trade.

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