Red Sox Weigh Duran Trade as Royals Indicate Cole Ragans Could Be Available for a Big Return

Overview

• Royals GM J.J. Picollo told the Boston Globe that All-Star left-hander Cole Ragans is not off limits but would require a "really big return."
• Boston has shown interest in Ragans after adding Sonny Gray, signaling the search for a No. 2 starter behind Garrett Crochet remains active.
• ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel put Jarren Duran’s chances of being traded at about 50 percent and named the Tigers, Royals, Giants, Pirates, Phillies, Mets, Reds and Diamondbacks as potential fits.
• Kansas City prefers a right-handed outfielder but is not tied to that profile, leaving the left-handed-hitting Duran as a viable target.
• Debate inside Boston continues over whether to move Duran or Wilyer Abreu, with some voices also floating a sell-high case on Ceddanne Rafaela; no agreement has been reached.