Jarren Duran Trade Rumors Update, Who Do Royals Feel Red Sox Want in Return?

The Kansas City Royals are in the market for an outfield addition and have eyes for Jarren Duran, but only if the Boston Red Sox "lower their asking price," according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Rosenthal added that the Royals "are under the impression Duran would cost them left-hander Cole Ragans, though the Red Sox view the initial talks as more informal and exploratory, according to people briefed on the conversations."

And the Royals reportedly see Ragans as the "player with greater value, a potential Game 1 starter in a postseason series," so dealing him is likely a non-starter.

Duran, 29, hit .256 with 16 homers, 84 RBI, 86 runs, 24 stolen bases and a .774 OPS in 2025. The 2024 All-Star has been solid in the past two seasons, and given the limited outfield options in free agency—and Boston's plethora of young outfield options—it wouldn't be surprising to see him moved.

Ragans, 28, went 3-3 in 13 starts last season, posting a 4.67 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 98 strikeouts in 61.2 innings. It was a bit of a disappointing campaign after he was an All-Star in 2024, though injury issues played a major role.