Breaking: Padres GM Preller “Aiming High” at Deadline — Zeros In on Red-Hot All-Star Jarren Duran as Wild Card Race Heats Up
As the MLB trade deadline looms, San Diego Padres General Manager A.J. Preller is once again commanding headlines. Known for his aggressive style and blockbuster mentality, Preller is reportedly setting his sights on Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran — a speedy, high-contact All-Star who could become a game-changer in the Padres’ wild-card push.
With the Padres climbing in the National League standings and re-entering the playoff conversation, the urgency surrounding the trade deadline has never been higher. San Diego is reportedly going all-in — and Duran, one of the most electric outfielders in baseball this season, sits squarely in Preller’s crosshairs.
Sources close to the front office indicate that Preller is “aiming high” in trade talks and refusing to settle for marginal improvements. The Padres’ 2024 season has been a rollercoaster, but recent weeks have shown signs of serious promise. A surge in team chemistry, steady offensive output, and stronger pitching performances have fueled San Diego’s resurgence. Now, the front office believes they’re one big swing away from becoming a true postseason threat.
The 27-year-old outfielder has broken out in a major way this season. Known for his blazing speed and gap-to-gap power, Duran has become a sparkplug for Boston’s offense, slashing over .300 with a high on-base percentage and an elite stolen base count. His defense has also improved significantly, making him a dual threat at the top of any lineup. Scouts have raved about his ability to manufacture runs and ignite rallies — something San Diego desperately needs at the top of their order.
The Padres have struggled with offensive inconsistency, especially in the outfield. While Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jurickson Profar have held down key spots, the absence of a reliable center field presence has left a void. Duran’s skillset fits exactly what the Padres crave — speed, defense, contact hitting, and base-running havoc. His left-handed bat would add much-needed balance to a righty-heavy San Diego lineup.
Duran wouldn’t come cheap. The Red Sox have made no public indication they’re actively shopping him, but insiders suggest Boston is open to creative offers, particularly if it means bolstering their pitching staff for a postseason run of their own. San Diego has several intriguing arms and high-upside prospects that could tempt the Red Sox into a deal — especially given Preller’s reputation for stacking enticing trade packages.
For A.J. Preller, this is familiar territory. Over the years, he’s developed a reputation as one of baseball’s boldest general managers. From acquiring Juan Soto to swinging deals for Blake Snell, Yu Darvish, and Josh Hader, Preller has shown time and again that he’s not afraid to push his chips to the center of the table.
Now, he’s looking to do it again — but this time with a playoff berth hanging in the balance and the Padres’ core beginning to age. There’s pressure to win now. And with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants lurking, the window for the Padres to strike is narrow.
San Diego’s farm system, though thinned by previous trades, still holds assets that could appeal to Boston. Right-handed pitcher Dylan Lesko, the promising Robby Snelling, or even reliever Jhony Brito might be used as the cornerstone of a package. Another name to watch is Jackson Merrill, though it’s unlikely Preller parts with his prized shortstop unless the return is massive.
