Royals Unlikely to Land Duran or Donovan, Poised to Lean on Internal Outfield

Rosenthal’s report highlights Kansas City’s reluctance to part with long-term pitching to acquire a premium hitter.

Overview

Ken Rosenthal reports the Royals are increasingly unlikely to complete trades for Boston’s Jarren Duran or St. Louis’s Brendan Donovan.
Barring further moves, the club plans to rely on Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas, rookie Jac Caglianone, and Kyle Isbel to cover the outfield.
Kansas City already added Collins and lefty reliever Matt Strahm this offseason, with Collins expected to upgrade left field.
The Royals posted a league-worst 73 wRC+ from their outfield in 2025, and projections suggest the group could still be below average even with Collins’ 122 wRC+ profile.
Kris Bubic profiles as the most plausible trade chip, yet the team appears hesitant to move rotation pieces as local commentary stresses a need for internal rebounds, including a Jonathan India bounceback.