Royals, Red Sox Discuss Duran Trade; Far Apart on Price

The Kansas City Royals are engaged in preliminary discussions with the Boston Red Sox about acquiring outfielder Jarren Duran, though the teams remain far apart on the asking price, according to league sources. The talks, which began informally this offseason, center on the Royals' reluctance to part with left-handed starter Cole Ragans, whom Boston views as a key piece in any potential deal.

Duran, a 29-year-old All-Star in 2024, has been a focal point of trade speculation for the Red Sox, who boast a surplus of outfield talent. In 2025, he batted .256 with 16 home runs, 84 RBIs, 24 stolen bases and a .774 OPS over 160 games. His performance dipped slightly from the previous year, when he hit .285 with 21 homers and 34 steals, but he remains a versatile center fielder with speed and plate discipline. Boston's outfield includes Gold Glove winners Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela, as well as top prospect Roman Anthony, creating logjams for playing time. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has fielded inquiries on Duran and Abreu since the summer but has emphasized no urgency to move either, especially after acquiring starter Sonny Gray to bolster the rotation.