MLB analyst and former Boston Red Sox player Lou Merloni didn’t hold himself back from voicing praise for talented LF Jarren Duran in a discussion on NESN. Duran made his much-awaited big league debut in 2021, but since then, he has had a topsy-turvy time in and out of the roster as he was constantly sent on assignments to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox.
His breakout season came last year, when he became an All-Star and was also named to the All-MLB second team. The San Diego Padres have recently showcased interest in acquiring Duran’s services for the future seasons, but no official contact has been made with the Red Sox organization.
MLB Analyst Weighs Down His Opinion on the Talents Possessed By Jarren Duran
Merloni discussed the trade rumors surrounding Duran during a discussion on NESN. He began by answering a question put up by the show’s host, which was if he thought the team could afford losing Duran.
Merloni replied, “No, he’s hitting all my topics. First, if you trade him to San Diego, they are going to give you an AA pitcher, maybe a shortstop or catcher of Double A. How is that going to help you? What are we doing? Jarren Duran is just starting to mature into his prime; he’s like 3-4 years into it.”
Merloni later talked about the reason for the Red Sox’ success in 2018 and voiced his opinion on the importance of limiting the youngsters on the team and bringing in experienced ballplayers to win silverware. He concluded the discussion by reflecting on Duran’s value as a $30 million player, possibly playing for a mere $7-12 million, which is a boon for the organization.
He said, “Where are you going to find a guy that can do what Jarren Duran can possibly do on a given night, where you can pay the man $7–12M?! In order to do that, you’ve got to give somebody $30M in free agency.”
“What are we doing?… Where are you gonna find a guy that can do what Jarren Duran can possibly do on a given night, where you can pay the man $7–12M?! In order to do that, you’ve got to give somebody $30M in free agency.”@LouMerloni on Jarren Duran trade rumors 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/uUSPa2vSDd
— NESN (@NESN) June 4, 2025
Duran Has Been Highly Consistent With His Performance At the Plate in 2025
Duran has a .274 batting average, with four home runs, 35 RBIs, and a .747 OPS in 63 games this campaign. He has been an absolute machine at the plate as he has compiled a whopping 75 hits in 274 at-bats, which includes 17 doubles and six triples so far this season. He is projecting more than 85 RBIs in 2025.
Duran’s consistency at the plate and his reliability in left field make him a complete package for the Red Sox. The organization would be aiming to keep hold of their bright star as they look to build a unit that can contest for silverware consistently, but who knows what surprising trade news could arise out of the Padres’ continued interest in the lefty slugger this season?