Center field seems like a pretty obvious area for the New York Mets to target at the trade deadline.

With Tyrone Taylor taking the bulk of the starts at the position for now, the Mets have to wonder if there's an upgrade on the market. Yet it's not just about whether such a player exist, but whether the cost is worthwhile.

Jarren Duran, who can play center but usually mans left field for the Boston Red Sox, is one of the most intriguing names out there these days. Usually, a player of his caliber would never be available with 3 1/2 years left on his rookie deal, but the Boston outfield is so stacked that he just might be dealt.

So should the Mets be the team to jump to the front of the queue for Duran? One writer doesn't think so.

On Saturday, Anthony McCarron of SNY urged the Mets to avoid trading for Duran, because the timing isn't right and he's not proven enough as a center field defender, especially after a rough defensive year so far in left.

"Duran would obviously lengthen the Mets' lineup, even if he’s closer to this season than last as a player. He’s an enticing, vibrant player with game-breaking tools," McCarron wrote.

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"But this feels like a pass for the current Mets. It’s more of a long-term, shakeup move than simply adding deadline oomph. Stearns has been adamant about improving the team defense and it’s fair to wonder whether Duran accomplishes that if he’s their center fielder. And Soto’s not going anywhere in right field; neither is Brandon Nimmo in left."

The 28-year-old Duran has a .748 OPS and 2.2 bWAR entering play on Sunday, with eight home runs, 10 triples, 50 RBI, and 16 stolen bases. He did have 17 defensive runs saved and eight outs above average in center field last year, playing roughly half his games there.

The Red Sox, if they're going to trade Duran, will certainly command a steep price tag. It would be understandable if the Mets decided the fit wasn't ideal enough to risk parting ways with a top prospect.

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