Overview
- The Athletic reported Kansas City has checked on Jarren Duran and believes Boston’s price would require left-hander Cole Ragans, while the Red Sox describe the conversations as informal and exploratory.
- The Royals rate Ragans as a potential Game 1 postseason starter, a valuation that makes a straight swap for an outfielder unlikely without additional pieces.
- Both players are under club control for three more seasons, with reporting noting Ragans at a combined $12 million in 2026–27 and Duran at $7.75 million in 2026.
- Even after adding Lane Thomas and trading for Isaac Collins, Kansas City remains open to acquiring another outfielder, with Duran envisioned in left field if a deal materializes.
- Executives tell the Boston Globe that Craig Breslow is comfortable carrying Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela and Roman Anthony, and outside predictions of alternative trades remain speculative with no agreement in place.