Latest update Royals’ free agency failures could end up being Guardians’ gain

While we’re in the thick of Hot Stove season in the MLB calendar, some days make it seem like the American League Central’s pilot light is out. 

Although the Guardians have added a variety of relievers and the White Sox made an uncharacteristic splash, the division has largely been quiet compared to more marquee divisions like the American League East  or National League West. 

And while Kyle Tucker’s signing with the Dodgers opened the transaction floodgates, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal recently poured some cold water on the Royals chances of adding to their roster, which should be good news to Guardians fans. 

It looks like the Royals outfield won’t be much better than the Guardians’ in 2026 

Although the Royals have already added to their outfield this offseason by signing Lane Thomas in free agency and trading for Isaac Collins, Rosenthal wrote that they were trying to acquire both Brendan Donovan and Jarren Duran via the trade market — to little success. 

“The Kansas City Royals are increasingly unlikely to land either of the two hitters they pursued in trades: the St. Louis Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan and Boston Red Sox’s Jarren Duran. Barring further moves, the Royals expect to rely heavily on offseason acquisitions Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas in their outfield, as well as rookie Jac Caglianone and holdover Kyle Isbel,” Rosenthal wrote. 

Last season the Royals’ outfield was among baseball’s worst, as they combined for a batting average of .219 and a wRC+ of 70. While that picture should be better next season thanks to the additions of Thomas and Collins, adding Durran or Donovan would make that picture even better. 

The other part of that equation is how much both of them could potentially help the Guardians. Donovan’s name first hit Guardians’ fans ears earlier this offseason when Jeff Passan labeled him as the “perfect fit” for the Guardians, and he continues to be that perfect fit given the team’s lack of outfield additions this offseason. 

Although Donovan wouldn’t help the Guardians’ lefty-heavy lineup, he’d be able to play at both second base and left field, which are two clear areas of need on Cleveland’s roster. 

Duran, on the other hand, is a pure centerfielder who would give the Guardians a mix of power and speed that they haven’t had from the position since Grady Sizemore was at his peak 20 years ago. 

Even though Duran is 29, he’s still under team control for three years and already has an All-Star MVP under his belt.

While he took a step back last season after a stellar 2024 season where he won All-Star Game MVP, he’s still a solid option who seems to be available in trade talks thanks to the Red Sox’s glut of outfield prospects. 

It remains to be seen if the Guardians will take the steps needed to sign either player, but it’s looking pretty likely that neither of them will be terrorizing the Guardians for an American League Central rival this season.