I wouldn’t trade Duran for Baty, and I certainly wouldn’t do it to offload Hicks or Yoshida. The “let’s not only sell low, but also use those contracts at their nadir to devalue our other players” seems like the dumbest strategy possible.
I mean, why not trade Yoshida, Hicks and Roman Anthony for Mark Vientos? After all, it checks every box many fans want. (And is fair on BTV.)
Yoshida gone? Check
Hicks gone? Check
Outfiekd logjam clear? Check
Infielder acquired? Check
Right-handed power bat? Check
Freed up enough money for a Three True Outcome hitter that doesn’t actually draw walks but makes up for it by striking out more? And check!
(That was a sarcastic trade offer.)