Red Sox reportedly have 'informal and exploratory' Jarren Duran trade talks

"Heading into the MLB offseason, one of the apparently clear Red Sox priorities was to thin out the outfield depth by way of a trade, potentially adding more pitching as a result. Boston has Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Jarren Duran as potential outfield starters (along with Masataka Yoshida, though he's mostly been used in more of a designated hitter role in recent seasons). One of the group has appeared to be on the way out."

"The most recent report came from Ken Rosenthal of "The Athletic." Rosenthal wrote on Monday morning that the Red Sox and Royals have engaged in discussion over a potential Duran deal, though the two sides may not yet be on the same page. "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," noted Rosenthal."

"Ragans is 28, while Duran is 29. Both players had more impressive 2024 seasons than their 2025 equivalents (with Duran's OPS falling 60 points while Ragans' ERA rose 1.53). Rosenthal explained that the Royals view Ragans as a "potential Game 1 starter in a postseason series," a valuation that Boston leadership may not fully share. Ragans' best season came in 2024, when he went 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA, averaging 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings."

Boston entered the offseason seeking to reduce outfield depth and potentially acquire pitching. The primary outfield candidates include Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Jarren Duran, and Masataka Yoshida in a DH role. Kansas City reportedly believes Jarren Duran would cost left-hander Cole Ragans, while Boston considers any initial talks informal. Ragans is 28 and Duran 29; both posted stronger 2024 campaigns than 2025 equivalents, with Duran's OPS down 60 points and Ragans' ERA up 1.53. The Royals view Ragans as a potential Game 1 postseason starter; Ragans went 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA in 2024. Patriots note: TreVeyon Henderson tied a New England record and the Patriots lost to the Bills 35-31.

Read at Boston.com