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Royals' Outfield Pursuit Faces Setbacks

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 11:08 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Missouri, Massachusetts, UNITED STATES

Kansas City, MO - February 12th, 2026 - The Kansas City Royals' quest to bolster their outfield is facing increasing challenges. Recent reports indicate the team is losing ground in potential trades for both Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran and St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson, leaving the front office scrambling to reassess their options as Spring Training rapidly approaches.

The Royals entered the offseason identifying a significant need in the outfield, a weakness that hampered their performance throughout the 2025 season. While internal development has yielded some promising young players, the consensus is that an experienced, impactful bat is necessary to compete in a fiercely competitive AL Central. Duran and Carlson were viewed as potential solutions, bringing offensive upside and defensive versatility to a team desperately seeking both.

Duran Deal Drifts Towards the Bronx

Initially, Jarren Duran appeared to be a strong fit for the Royals' needs. The Red Sox, seemingly willing to part with the young outfielder to free up roster space and financial flexibility, attracted considerable interest. Kansas City was heavily linked to Duran, offering a package centered around promising young pitching prospects. However, the emergence of the New York Yankees as the frontrunners has significantly complicated matters.

According to sources close to both teams, the Yankees have presented a more compelling offer, likely involving a combination of established major league talent and top-tier prospects. The Red Sox, motivated by a desire to rebuild quickly, appear to favor the Yankees' package, offering a faster path to acquiring players who can contribute to both the major league roster and the farm system. While the Royals haven't officially withdrawn from the negotiations, the prevailing sentiment is that they've been priced out of the running.

Carlson's Contract: A Royal Headache

The situation with Dylan Carlson is equally disheartening for Kansas City. While the Cardinals are reportedly open to moving Carlson, citing a need to reduce payroll and create opportunities for younger players, his contract is proving to be a major obstacle. Carlson is entering the second year of a lucrative multi-year deal, and the Royals, operating under stricter budgetary constraints, are hesitant to absorb such a significant financial commitment.

Royals General Manager J.J. Picollo has repeatedly emphasized the importance of building a sustainable roster through a combination of draft picks, player development, and strategic free agent signings. Taking on Carlson's contract would significantly limit the team's financial flexibility in the coming years, potentially hindering their ability to address other areas of need. Other teams also appear wary of the financial implications, contributing to a stagnant market for the Cardinals outfielder.

What Now for the Royals?

With both Duran and Carlson seemingly slipping away, the Royals are forced to re-evaluate their outfield strategy. Several avenues remain open, though each presents its own challenges.

• Alternative Trade Targets: The Royals could shift their focus to other available outfielders, exploring potential trades with teams looking to offload veteran players. Names like Raimel Tapia, potentially available from the Giants, or even a more significant swing - perhaps approaching the Cubs about Ian Happ - could emerge as viable options. However, the market for experienced outfielders is thin, and the Royals will likely face stiff competition.
• Free Agency: The free agent market offers a limited number of intriguing options. While many of the top free agent outfielders have already signed, there are still a few veteran players available who could provide a short-term solution. However, relying heavily on free agency would likely require the Royals to overpay, and the available players may not represent a significant upgrade over their current roster.
• Internal Development: The Royals have several promising young outfielders in their farm system, including prospects like Drew Waters and Nelson Martinez. While these players have potential, they are still relatively unproven at the major league level, and relying on them to carry the load in the outfield would be a risky proposition. The team will need to carefully evaluate their progress in Spring Training and determine whether they are ready to contribute at the highest level.

The coming weeks will be crucial for the Royals as they attempt to address their outfield woes. The failure to acquire either Duran or Carlson highlights the challenges faced by smaller-market teams in competing with larger, more financially powerful organizations. While the situation is undoubtedly frustrating for Royals fans, the front office remains committed to building a competitive team through a long-term, sustainable approach.