The Kansas City Royals certainly were not the team that came to most fans' minds after the news of Kyle Tucker agreeing to a $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers was reported on Thursday. The contract agreement is a talking point around the MLB world, as LA found a way to further strengthen its super-team. So, how will the Royals feel the impact of the move?

Kansas City isn't in the same division as LA. Heck, the Royals aren't even in the same league. Multiple star players have been linked to Kansas City in trade rumors, however, including Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran.

With ball clubs such as the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and others falling short in the Tucker free agency sweepstakes, their attention may shift to other outfield options. Of course, Cody Bellinger remains available in free agency, but a Duran trade may become more realistic now for some of those ball clubs.

Prior to the Tucker news, many of those teams were pursuing him as their primary outfield option. That left the door open for the Royals to attempt to trade for Duran. It remains to be seen if Kansas City has interest in seriously pursuing a deal, but doing so will be especially challenging now with potentially more competition. 

Duran, 29, was an All-Star in 2024. His 2025 season was a down year by his standards, but he still had some good moments. 

He's a versatile outfielder who provides the ability to offer 20-home run and 30-stolen base production. Duran is also a guy who can get on base at a respectable rate. No, he isn't on Tucker or Bellinger's level, but Durant certainly isn't a bad alternative.

Another reason why Duran may become a popular trade candidate for a number of teams is because of his contract situation. While many trade candidates are one-year rentals, Duran is under team control through the 2028 campaign. Teams would be able to receive multiple years of production from the outfielder if a trade comes to fruition.

Duran's contract also means the price to acquire him will be steep. The Red Sox are not just going to give away a 29-year-old star with multiple years of team control remaining. Boston will surely desire a respectable trade package.

If teams are willing to meet their asking price, then a deal could happen. Will the Royals be among the serious suitors? Only time will tell.