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Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran.

The Boston Red Sox’s decision to trade Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020 is a big reason why they’re in the midst of a dynasty. Perhaps the two teams could work out another blockbuster deal for a star outfielder half a decade later.

The Red Sox are rumored to be interested in trading All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran. The Dodgers are expected to be looking for outfielder help. They didn’t get strong play from their outfielders in the postseason, and they need guys who can make plays on offense and defense.

The Corona, California, native likely wouldn’t mind returning home to play for the back-to-back World Series champions. Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report pitched a trade that would send Duran to the Dodgers for right-handed pitcher Emmet Sheehan.

“Teoscar Hernández only gives you offense, while Tommy Edman is more of a utility type and Andy Pages is the kind of guy who probably should be a fourth outfielder,” Rymer wrote. “As a proper everyday star who would also bring some badly needed athleticism to Los Angeles’ lineup, Duran is the ideal upgrade.

“Sheehan, who turned 26 on November 15, would be a block of clay for the Red Sox to mold into something special. He’s controllable through 2029, and under his hood this year were chase, whiff and strikeout rates that were in the 90th percentile or better.”

Why the Red Sox Might Say No

Sheehan, who played a key role as a relief pitcher in the 2025 World Series, is from the East Coast, so he’d be able to get closer to home in this deal, too. He started 12 games for the Dodgers in the regular season, going 6-3 with a 2.82 ERA.

He’s also only 26 years old. He has a chance to develop into a very good starting pitcher, which is something Boston needs. However, Rymer believes the optics of trading a star outfielder ot the Dodgers again might scare the Red Sox away from making a deal.

“Given what happened the last time the Red Sox traded a star outfielder to Los Angeles, probably the whole city of Boston would object to this one,” Rymer wrote.

“And this time, the team might agree. Sheehan is another project pitcher, after all, and it just isn’t a good idea for any team with World Series aspirations to be willingly sending All-Stars to the Dodgers.”

Dodgers Could Have Hard Time Swinging Big Trades

The issue facing the Dodgers is that teams might not be keen on trading with them. The franchise has a knack for making the right movies, so if Andrew Friedman is trying to trade with you, it might be wise to exercise some caution.

Plus, the Dodgers are going to be the favorite to win the World Series again, even if they don’t make any moves. There aren’t many teams that are going to want to help them get even better. The Dodgers’ best bet is to go after some high-profile free agents, but perhaps a deal could come along. Unfortunately, it’ll be difficult to pull a player like Duran.