Report: Royals discuss Duran with Red Sox, inquire about Nats' Gore, Abrams
The Kansas City Royals are looking to make a big splash this offseason.
The Royals have discussed trading for outfielder Jarren Duran in a potential deal with the Boston Red Sox, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Kansas City has also spoken to the Washington Nationals about left-hander MacKenzie Gore and shortstop CJ Abrams, according to Passan.
The AL Central club is reportedly still looking for outfield help after adding Lane Thomas on a one-year, $5.25-million deal. The Royals are projected to start the 2026 season with Thomas in left field, Kyle Isbel in center field, and Jac Caglianone patrolling right field.
Duran, a 2024 All-Star, has made 246 starts in center over his five-year career. The 29-year-old hit 16 homers with 84 RBIs, 24 stolen bases, and a .774 OPS to go along with an AL-high 13 triples in 157 games in 2025. He'll make $7.7 million next season and is arbitration-eligible through 2028.
The Red Sox have a surplus of outfielders with Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, and Ceddanne Rafaela.
Gore authored a 4.17 ERA with 3.74 FIP and 185 strikeouts over 159 2/3 innings to earn his first All-Star nod this year. Under team control through 2027, the 26-year-old is set to earn around $6.5 million in 2026.
Abrams went deep 19 times with 60 RBIs, 31 steals, and a .748 OPS in 144 games this past campaign. The 25-year-old is projected to make around $5.5 million next year and is arbitration-eligible through 2028. His fit isn't ideal with the Royals with perennial MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr. manning short. However, Abrams could potentially slide to second base, which would be a massive upgrade over Michael Massey or Jonathan India.