Red Sox Trade Rumors: Alex Bregman, Boston discuss reunion as Royals express interest in Jarren Duran

The Boston Red Sox have padded up their rotation so far, trading for Johan Oviedo and Sonny Gray this offseason. But if they are to remain contenders, they require securing their lineup while adding to their pitching depth.

Here's taking a look at two probable moves being discussed by insiders for the Red Sox.

Red Sox are clear favorites to get back Alex Bregman

The Red Sox remain favorites to sign third baseman Alex Bregman to a long-term contract, according to insider Jon Morosi on MLB Network on Monday. He went through an elimination process, singling out Boston's competitors.

Morosi noted the New York Mets are unlikely to spend big on a corner infielder after they signed Jorge Polanco to a two-year deal as Pete Alonso's replacement. The Philadelphia Phillies, also linked to Bregman, were likely to go big with their bids if Kyle Schwarber had signed elsewhere. Moreover, they would also have to shift Alec Bohm out of the hot corner.

The Detroit Tigers, who were closely linked to Bregman in the last offseason, have limited cash to spend after Gleyber Torres accepted their $22.025 million qualifying offer and the Chicago Cubs seem "comfortable" with Matt Shaw as their third baseman, leaving the Red Sox as the favorites for Bregman.

But one team Morosi didn't discuss was the Seattle Mariners, who were noted to be interested in Bregman, after it was reported last week that Scott Boras had met with him about his client's asking price.

Jarren Duran linked to Kansas City for probable trade

Jarren Duran hit .256 with 16 home runs and 84 RBIs in 2025 with the Red Sox. He was linked to the Kansas City Royals for a probable trade by ESPN's Jeff Passan in his column last Thursday.

Recent developments, as reported by Ken Rosenthal on Monday, state that the Royals will go ahead with the trade only if the Red Sox "lower their asking price".

The Athletic's Jim Bowden added on Monday that the Red Sox were asking for starting pitcher Cole Ragans in return. The southpaw returned a 3-3 record with a 4.67 ERA from 13 starts in 2025.

"Both Ragans, 28, and Duran, 29, are under club control for three more seasons, with Ragans under contract for a combined $12 million in 2026-27 and Duran for $7.75 million in ’26," Bowden wrote. "The Royals, though, see Ragans as a player with greater value, a potential Game 1 starter in a postseason series."

If Ragans is a potential postseason ace for the Royals, it verifies Morosi's comment about Kansas City asking for a different name in return for Duran.

Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy