Kansas City Royals Targeting Outfield Help This Offseason

[Matthew Lenz]

The Kansas City Royals have revamped their hitting staff, hiring Connor Dawson and Marcus Thames in recent days. Now, they're setting their sights on the lineup itself, specifically on the outfield.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network is reporting that sources have indicated that the Royals are seeking outfield reinforcements. Morosi (and many others) add that the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels are potential trade partners.

The Red Sox have been rumored to be looking for an upgrade over outfielder Jarren Duran, while MLBTR also identifies Wilyer Abreu as a trade candidate. 

Duran, who has an $8 million club option, carried an OPS of .774 with 16 home runs and 24 stolen bases across 696 plate appearances in 2025. Abreu, controllable through 2029, played in only 115 games, yet the 26-year-old still mashed 22 home runs to go along with six stolen bases. The Red Sox are looking to upgrade their pitching rotation, which makes a deal between the two even more sense.

For the Angels, Taylor Ward and Jo Adell are two names that teams asked about at the trade deadline. Though there haven't been any rumors suggesting they're on the block, they could also be in the market for starting pitching help.

Do you think the Royals should trade for Duran, Abreu, Ward, or Adell? Let us know in the comments!

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[Eli Nitz]

When Roman Anthony was signed to a long term contract I started looking at proven commodities in the Red Sox arsenal.  Wilyer Abreu is the name I kept coming back to. He is 26 years old - 3 years younger than Durran, and his stats are remarkably similar in 2024 and 2025.  I like consistency and I think Abreu would givethe Royals a steady, every day player that his age fits in with our core of BWJ, Garcia, and Vinnie. I also love that we have a strong Venezuelan presence in Salvy and Garcia.  I know that doesn't mean much but I would like anyone we aquire to feel comfortable when they rrive in KC.

The Red Sox have been linked recently to needing pitching and catching - the two areas we have an abundance of talent.  I think it makes too much sense to work with the Red Sox.  I could be wrong on the player, but I think I'm right on the team to target.

[Brock Beauchamp]

3 minutes ago, Eli Nitz said:

When Roman Anthony was signed to a long term contract I started looking at proven commodities in the Red Sox arsenal.  Wilyer Abreu is the name I kept coming back to. He is 26 years old - 3 years younger than Durran, and his stats are remarkably similar in 2024 and 2025.  I like consistency and I think Abreu would givethe Royals a steady, every day player that his age fits in with our core of BWJ, Garcia, and Vinnie. I also love that we have a strong Venezuelan presence in Salvy and Garcia.  I know that doesn't mean much but I would like anyone we aquire to feel comfortable when they rrive in KC.

The Red Sox have been linked recently to needing pitching and catching - the two areas we have an abundance of talent.  I think it makes too much sense to work with the Red Sox.  I could be wrong on the player, but I think I'm right on the team to target.

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[RCT]

I just don’t see the Red Sox trading either guy for 1 year of Bubic even if we throw in Mitchell and 6 years of Cameron seems like too much from the Royals for 3 years of Duran.  I’d probably be OK with Abreu (4 yrs control) for Cameron but don’t love the idea.

 

personally I’d just like to see Bubic for Ward straight up.  I know it’s only a one year bandaid but it just seems to make a ton of sense for both teams.  Trading Bubic doesn’t trade away the future.