The Boston Red Sox had quite the comeback season in 2025, going from a mediocre team in 2024 to a playoff team in 2025. However, they fell short and need to make some changes if they want to make it all the way.
The first thing that’s on the agenda for the Sox, other than re-signing Alex Bregman, is getting a No. 2 pitcher to pair with Garrett Crochet. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter believes the Red Sox could solve this by trading for Kansas City Royals All-Star Kris Bubic.
The trade would look like this:
Red Sox get: LHP Kris Bubic, C Carter Jensen
Royals get: OF Jarren Duran
“With club control through 2028, [Duran] could plug a hole in the lineup and at the top of the batting order for multiple seasons, serving as a table-setter for Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino…With the Red Sox in win-now mode, they could prioritize MLB talent over prospects, and 2025 All-Star Kris Bubic would be a welcome addition to a staff that has already added Sonny Gray. A rotator cuff strain cut his breakout season short, but he is expected to be ready for Opening Day,” Reuter wrote.
This past season, Bubic posted an 8-7 record, a 2.55 ERA, 116 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.178 over 116 innings pitched. If he can come back fully healthy, the Sox would have a mean 1-2 punch with him and Crochet.
Losing Duran would hurt, but it also solves the logjam in the outfield. Roman Anthony would take left field, and the DH spot could be left open for either Masataka Yoshida or another big bat that the Sox want to sign. Hopefully, they will consider this trade and get to work on negotiations.
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