While the Hot Stove continues to burn brightly across much of Major League Baseball, the American League Central feels more like it’s stuck on simmer. Sure, the Guardians have quietly bolstered their bullpen, and the White Sox made a rare splash, but compared to the flurry of action we’ve seen in divisions like the AL East or NL West, the Central has been relatively subdued.
One of the more intriguing developments centers around the Kansas City Royals and their attempts to reshape an outfield that was, frankly, one of the worst in baseball last season. Despite some early offseason moves, it sounds like their pursuit of bigger upgrades has hit a wall - and that’s news that should perk up some ears in Cleveland.
Royals Miss on Donovan and Duran
The Royals had their sights set on two high-impact outfielders via trade: Brendan Donovan of the Cardinals and Jarren Duran of the Red Sox. But according to insider reporting, those talks have stalled out. With both players increasingly unlikely to land in Kansas City, the Royals are expected to roll into 2026 with a mix of Lane Thomas, Isaac Collins, rookie Jac Caglianone, and returning outfielder Kyle Isbel.
Now, let’s not sugarcoat it - Kansas City’s outfield production last year was rough. A collective batting average of .219 and a wRC+ of 70 puts them near the basement of the league. The additions of Thomas and Collins should lift that floor a bit, but missing out on Donovan and Duran means the Royals still have a long way to go if they want to close the gap in the division.
Why This Matters to the Guardians
Here’s where things get interesting for Cleveland. Both Donovan and Duran have been mentioned as potential fits for the Guardians - and for good reason.
Donovan, in particular, has been on the radar for a while. Earlier this offseason, he was even labeled the “perfect fit” for Cleveland.
And honestly, it’s hard to argue. While he wouldn’t exactly diversify the Guardians’ lefty-heavy lineup, his versatility is exactly what this roster could use.
He can handle both second base and left field - two positions that remain question marks heading into spring.
Duran brings a different kind of value. He’s a true center fielder with a blend of speed and pop that Cleveland hasn’t seen at the position since the days of peak Grady Sizemore.
He’s still under team control for three more years, and even though he took a step back last year after a breakout 2024 campaign that included an All-Star Game MVP, he remains a dynamic player. The Red Sox, flush with outfield prospects, seem open to moving him - but so far, no deal has materialized.
What It Means for the Division Race
The Royals’ inability to land either Donovan or Duran is more than just a missed opportunity - it’s a potential break for the Guardians. Cleveland still has plenty of work to do if they want to contend in 2026, but knowing that two impact players won’t be suiting up for a division rival is a win in itself.
There’s no guarantee the Guardians will make a move for either Donovan or Duran, but the door remains open. And with the Royals seemingly out of the running, Cleveland has one less competitor standing in the way if they decide to get aggressive.
As we inch closer to spring training, the AL Central remains a division in flux. But if the Guardians are looking for a way to separate themselves from the pack, a move for one of these two players could be the spark they need.