Cubs' outfield need shouldn't tempt them into Jarren Duran trade if Red Sox squeeze him out

The Chicago Cubs have already been mentioned as a potential trade fit for Cleveland Guardians' outfielder Steven Kwan if he were to become available this offseason, and it feels like it's only a matter of time before the same thought process will be applied to Jarren Duran.

With the Red Sox trying to work through an outfield logjam over the past year, Duran has felt like a potential trade candidate. He was floated in talks with the Houston Astros last offseason, and there was some sense that Boston could have traded Duran at the deadline had it not been for the turnaround that saved their season.

Not included in that turnaround was Duran's production. 2026 was a disastrous year for the 30-year-old outfielder, slashing .207/.266/.361. He did have 20 home runs, but considering his low on-base percentage, his wRC+ sat at 69 on the season. In other words, he was Ian Happ except for not having the walks to hold up his offensive value.

Despite those struggles, MLB Trade Rumors has projected Duran to earn $11.1 million in his third year of arbitration. It's hefty raise from the $7.7 million he earned with the Red Sox in 2026, and it feels like decision time has arrived for Boston.

Duran is a candidate to be non-tendered this offseason, but before then, it would seem that the Red Sox will try to trade the outfielder. He has one more season of control after the 2027 season, but considering the regression he had this season, that may not be a selling point for interested teams.

Cubs should avoid bailing the Red Sox out of their Jarren Duran problem

Duran appeared to be on the verge of superstardom in 2024 when he hit 21 home runs to go with 34 steals, but has been on a steady decline ever since. The Red Sox likely are now shopping him for pennies on the dollar, and for a team like the Cubs, there's no reason to even entertain this idea.

Rather than being on the hook for Duran's 2027 salary and, likely, an ever higher number in 2028, the easiest thing the Cubs can do in addressing their need in the outfield is to bring Ian Happ back on a discounted deal or through way of the qualifying offer. Replacing Happ with Duran isn't a step forward for the offense, and would also be a defensive downgrade in left field.

The idea of Duran being a trade fit for the Cubs is one of those things we can immediately discard before the offseason starts in earnest.

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