What precisely is the state of play vis a vis a possible Jarren Duran commerce with the Royals? Right here’s one MLB insider who appears to be implying three considerably contradictory issues: (1) Kansas Metropolis is actively concentrating on Duran, (2) the Crimson Sox are asking for Cole Ragens in return, and (3) the commerce talks themselves are solely “casual and exploratory” at this level. (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)
In fact, it’s at all times attainable that the default assumption that the Crimson Sox want to commerce an outfielder is inaccurate. Craig Breslow is reportedly telling potential commerce companions that the Sox are more than pleased to enter 2026 with every of Duran, Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu all on the roster, the place they’d cut up time within the outfield and rotate by way of the DH spot. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
That may be a superbly fantastic plan… if Masataka Yoshida didn’t even have a roster spot. However not solely is Yoshida nonetheless with the Sox and presumably penciled into the DH position, however Alex Cora can be calling him “an enormous a part of what we’re attempting to perform.” (Sean McAdam, MassLive)
Cole Ragans could be a reasonably large fish to land. Within the meantime, although, Craig Breslow and firm are nonetheless on the hunt for some doubtlessly usefull guppies. The Sox are reportedly trying into free agent reliever Danny Coulombe, who had a wonderful first half of the season with the Twins final yr, adopted by a disastrous post-trade deadline stint with the Rangers. (Kayley Brown, Boston.com)
Talking of the Rangers, they at present make use of one other massive fish who has been linked to the Sox: Corey Seager. However Rangers boss Chris Younger has dismissed the concept they’re purchasing him round:
