1 Red Sox player must be traded before spring training

The Boston Red Sox face a unique, if somewhat complex, scenario as pitchers and catchers prepare to arrive in Fort Myers on February 10th. Craig Breslow looks at the tough call. The Red Sox have a loaded outfield, boasting four players who could all start regularly, and a rotation that is shaky after ace Garrett Crochet. The moves he makes now could very well shape the team’s fortunes for 2026 and beyond.

The focus now shifts to Jarren DuranThe 2024 All-Star Game MVP, who is in a bit of a bind with so many outfielders fighting for spots.

Stagnation outside the field creates difficult choices

The Red Sox’s outfield math stopped working when Roman Anthony entered the major leagues and immediately showed franchise player potential. In left field, Anthony is the future. Ceddanne Rafaela, who recently won his first Gold Glove, remains firmly established in center field. In right field, Willier Abreu won back-to-back Gold Gloves. Despite his past, Duran, who signed a one-year, $7.75 million deal through 2026, is the most reasonable trade candidate.

Duran, 29, is under team control through 2028, meaning he could be a valuable trade for teams in contention. While he batted just .256 with 16 home runs and 84 RBIs in 2025, a drop from his MVP performance level in 2024, he still provides plenty of value through his speed (24 stolen bases), power in the gap (13 triples, 41 doubles) and flexibility. The question is not whether Duran deserves a starting spot, but whether Boston will be able to keep him when Anthony, Rafael and Abreu represent the team’s defensive future.

Breslow has publicly argued that the Red Sox could carry all four outfielders through 2026, but that strategy sacrifices developmental bats for younger players and leaves the rotation vulnerable. With spring training fast approaching, it’s time for action.

Why Kansas City makes perfect sense

The Royals, who are built on pitching and defense but lack offensive firepower, especially in the outfield, would benefit from Duran’s speed and ability to hit for average at the top of their lineup. More importantly, the Royals have a surplus of pitching depth and highly ranked prospects that perfectly match Boston’s organizational needs.

Despite earlier rumors that Kansas City, particularly ace Cole Ragans, were opposed to Boston’s asking price, the Royals proved to be the perfect trade partner, continuously expressing interest in Duran throughout the offseason.

The perfect trading package

Here’s a trade that meets the needs of both teams while remaining realistic:

Red Sok receives:

• LHP Kris Bubic
• C Blake Mitchell
• LHP David Shields

Royals receive:

Why this trade works for both parties

With this trade, Boston’s biggest asset — pitching depth — becomes the remedy for their most pressing flaws — rotation depth and prospect. After Crochet, Bubic immediately takes over as the No. 2 starter, giving Boston a much-needed 1-2 punch. To maintain organizational depth for upcoming trades or in-house development, Mitchell and Shields complement a farm system that has graduated many prospects.

One thing that stands out for the Royals is that if they landed Duran from KC and didn’t trade Ragan or other untouchables, they would bolster their offense without giving up pitching depth. Duran’s contract through 2028 with a club option aligns perfectly with Bobby Witt Jr.’s prime, as well as the Royals’ window of competitiveness. Additionally, his speed and ability to make contact befits the dimensions of KC Kauffman Stadium, and his flexibility gives manager Matt Quatraro the opportunity to get the most out of outfield games.

Spring training starts in less than a month, and scheduling decisions wait for no one. The Red Sox cannot enter another season with four outfielders competing for three spots, not when Anthony needs everyday at-bats and the rotation remains incomplete. Duran’s trade value may never be higher—he’s affordable, under team control and comes with an All-Star pedigree.

Craig Breslow has preached patience this offseason, but sometimes the best move is obvious. Trading Duran to Kansas City for Bubic, Mitchell and Shields checks every box: it clears the infield logjam, adds a proven starter, replenishes the farm system and positions Boston for sustained success. As pitchers and catchers report to Fort Myers, this is a must-do deal.