The New York Mets have emerged as one of MLB’s top teams this season, but their outfield remains an area of concern. With a strong infield and solid starting rotation, addressing the outfield could elevate the roster even further.
Recent reports suggest that Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran might be available via trade, making him an ideal target for the Mets. In a Bleacher Report article, Zachary Rymer identified Duran as a potential fit and proposed mock trades from several teams. For the Mets, Rymer suggested a significant package involving multiple top-10 prospects and Major League-ready talent to acquire the speedy outfielder.
The Mets Projected Trade Package
Zachary Rymer’s trade proposal would send third baseman Mark Vientos, pitching prospect Brandon Sproat, and shortstop Jesus Baez to the Red Sox in exchange for Jarren Duran. It’s a bold move that would secure the Mets an electrifying outfielder to pair with Juan Soto, but the cost is significant.
Vientos, despite a down year at the plate in 2025 (.230 AVG, .678 OPS), is only one season removed from an impressive 2024 where he posted an .837 OPS. Though trading him would sting, especially given his upside and affordability, his current struggles make him a more expendable piece in a deal for a proven contributor like Duran.
Jarren Duran’s elite speed, strong on-base skills, and improved outfield defense make him a justifiably expensive trade target. He’d give the Mets a dynamic presence at the top of the lineup and a legitimate defensive upgrade—key ingredients for a postseason push.
Still, giving up Brandon Sproat, the Mets’ No. 2 prospect and a top-100 arm with mid-rotation upside, along with Mark Vientos and No. 7 prospect Jesus Baez, represents a serious depletion of future value. The Mets would need to be confident that Duran puts them over the top—not just for 2025, but with an eye on 2026 and beyond (since he’s under team control through 2028).
How Does Duran Fit?
Putting Jarren Duran in center field would immediately address one of the Mets’ weakest spots in the lineup. Tyrone Taylor’s limited offensive output and average defense make him more of a fourth outfielder, while Duran brings game-changing speed, range, and energy.
Duran’s presence would also allow the Mets to reshuffle their outfield more effectively, possibly shifting Brandon Nimmo to left field full-time and using Starling Marte in more of a platoon or DH role to keep him healthy. The offensive boost—especially at the top of the lineup—paired with improved outfield defense could meaningfully impact the Mets’ playoff push.
Jarren Duran’s 2025 performance makes a strong case for him being exactly the type of spark the Mets need. His 1.2 WAR through 62 games suggests he’s on pace for a 3+ WAR season—solid value, especially considering his impact goes beyond traditional stats.
The six triples and 13 stolen bases highlight his elite speed, which would immediately inject life into a Mets lineup that lacks pressure on the base paths. While his 64 strikeouts to 16 walks is a concern for plate discipline, his ability to turn contact into extra bases makes him a net positive offensively.
Defensively, Duran’s athleticism and range make him a natural fit for center field, even if he’s played mostly left in Boston. His arm is average, but the Mets don’t need an elite arm—they need someone who can close gaps and prevent doubles, which Duran can do.
An 8.7 WAR season in 2024 is elite territory—that’s MVP-caliber production. Jarren Duran’s breakout with 48 doubles and 191 hits shows he’s not just a speed threat, but a high-impact, high-contact hitter with gap-to-gap power. His .285 average, All-Star nod, and ability to play aggressive, energetic baseball would give the Mets a dynamic presence they sorely lack at the top of the order.
Given that kind of proven production, the proposed trade—Mark Vientos, Brandon Sproat, and Jesús Báez—is indeed steep, but it reflects what it takes to get a near-5-tool outfielder with prime years ahead. For a team like the Mets, aiming to compete now and not just in the future, it’s the kind of bold move that can change a lineup and an October outlook.
