Angels Could Wait for Red Sox to Release Jarren Duran

The Angels have been urged to resist trading for Jarren Duran and instead wait to see whether the Red Sox release him before the November 20 non-tender deadline. Boston has been shopping the outfielder at this week’s general managers’ meetings, while weighing his projected $11.1 million arbitration salary for 2027.

Duran, 30, hit .207 with a .266 on-base percentage and .361 slugging percentage over 151 games in 2026. Boston’s crowded outfield includes Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, and the team is also exploring a possible addition of Seiya Suzuki.

A trade could cost the Angels prospects as well as salary. The club has Nelson Rada in Triple-A as an internal center-field option, though his bat remains a concern. The case for waiting is that Los Angeles could pursue Duran without giving up young players if Boston lets him go.

Duran hit 20 home runs and stole 21 bases in 2026. In 2024, he batted .285 with an .834 OPS, 48 hits for two bases, 14 hits for three, 21 balls over the fence and 34 successful steals. His speed and defense could help in center field, while Mike Trout, who will turn 35, could move more often to a corner-outfield role or designated hitter.

The Angels finished 62-100 in 2026 and are awaiting final approval of their sale to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. Duran could draw interest from other clubs if he becomes a free agent; the Angels’ proposed approach is to pursue him promptly after a release, potentially on a short-term deal.