The never-ending trade rumors surrounding Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran have once again circulated. This time, it's the Kansas City Royals at the forefront of the conversation.
According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Royals are interested in Duran, but there is one object in the way of a trade. Kansas City believes that a trade for Duran would mean trading away its ace, Cole Ragans. According to Rosenthal, a lowered asking price from Boston would make the Royals much more interested in making a move.
Kansas City has other starting pitching options to trade in veterans Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo. An older pitcher may not be exactly what the Red Sox want in return for a young, star outfielder, making the workings of the trade a bit complicated on both sides.
Duran burst onto the scene last season, leading the major leagues in plate appearances (714), at-bats (671), doubles (48) and triples (14). Those stats earned him his first All-Star Game appearances as well as an eight-place finish in American League MVP voting.
The 2025 season saw Duran take a step back, as he posted much lower numbers in nearly all categories. The decline in numbers could be a sign of why Boston is looking to move off what once looked the next superstar outfielder.
If the Royals front office can somehow pull off a trade without giving up Ragans or Kris Bubic, Duran may be in a Kansa City uniform when 2026 opening day comes around.
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