MLB insider's Tigers-Red Sox trade prediction totally misses the mark for Detroit

As MLB's hot stove begins to turn up this offseason, the Detroit Tigers find themselves at the center of numerous trade and free agency rumors – and not just those involving Tarik Skubal.

MLB insider Jon Morosi recently said on MLB Network that the Tigers would be a great trade destination for Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, noting Detroit's need for more outfield power and athleticism.

But while Morosi's idea sounds flashy on paper, it totally misses what Detroit actually needs and who Duran really is as a player. As such, the supposed "fit" falls apart when you dig a bit deeper.

Jon Morosi's Jarren Duran-to-Detroit trade prediction totally ignores Tigers' greatest needs

For starters, Duran's biggest weakness is the Tigers' biggest problem. The 2025 Tigers struck out far too much – one of the highest strikeout rates in the American League – and their lineup lacked consistent contact hitters behind Riley Greene. Duran doesn’t fix that problem. In fact, he adds to it.

Duran struck out at a 24.3% clip in 2025. He’s an aggressive, pull-happy hitter who can chase pitches when behind in the count. Plugging him into the mix in Detroit would just give the Tigers another version of what they already have – swing-and-miss athleticism with streaky results.

Morosi emphasized Duran’s “outfield power,” but that’s a bit of a mirage. He hits the ball hard, yes, but not with the consistency or launch angle to be a middle-of-the-order threat. His slugging numbers have been propped up by Fenway Park’s short gaps and quirky geometry – conditions that wouldn’t translate to Comerica Park, which suppresses home run output more than almost any AL park.

There’s no clean lineup fit for Duran unless the Tigers move off one of their existing outfielders – and even then, he doesn’t bring a fundamentally different offensive profile. They don’t need more gap-power inconsistency; they need players who can barrel up tough pitching and lengthen innings, and Duran doesn’t check that box.

The Tigers’ outfield defense quietly regressed in 2025, particularly in routes and arm strength in the corners. Duran, despite elite sprint speed, has never graded as a reliable defender. His routes and reads remain erratic, and he’s been shifted out of center for that very reason in Boston. Detroit already has athletic but inconsistent outfielders (Parker Meadows, anyone?). They need a steady glove who prevents runs, not another speedster whose instincts lag behind his legs.

From a philosophical standpoint, trading for Duran would run counter to Scott Harris’ messaging about the Tigers. Harris has repeatedly said the organization’s next step is offensive efficiency – improving contact quality, strike-zone control, and run prevention. Duran is the anti-template for that direction – electric tools, low baseball IQ, high volatility.

Morosi’s take sounds good in a highlight-reel vacuum – “add power and speed!” – but it ignores the nuance of Detroit’s needs. The Tigers don’t need more athleticism for its own sake; they need reliability, approach and defense. Duran would give them flash, not fixes.