The Boston Red Sox are coming off a strong 2025 campaign that saw them climb from an average team in 2024 to a playoff contender. But despite the turnaround, the postseason exit showed that they still need upgrades – especially on the mound. One proposed solution gaining traction is a trade that would send outfielder Jarren Duran to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for 2025 All-Star left-hander Kris Bubic.The idea, presented by Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, outlines a move that could immediately strengthen Boston’s rotation. As Reuter wrote, “With the Red Sox in win-now mode, they could prioritize MLB talent over prospects, and 2025 All-Star Kris Bubic would be a welcome addition to a staff that has already added Sonny Gray.” (H/t: Sporting News)

The Proposed Trade Package

Here is the full structure of the hypothetical deal:

Trade Breakdown

Kansas City Royals Kris Bubic (Image via Getty)

Here is the table exactly as you requested:

Under this scenario, Boston gets a controllable All-Star starter and an intriguing catching prospect, while Kansas City fills a long-term lineup need with a dynamic outfielder who remains under club control through 2028.

Why Kris Bubic Fits the Boston Red Sox’s Immediate Needs

The Boston Red Sox entered the offseason with two major goals: retain Alex Bregman and find a strong No. 2 starter to line up behind Garrett Crochet. Adding Sonny Gray has helped stabilize the rotation, but another top-end arm is still missing.Kris Bubic, who earns $4.5 million and made the All-Star team in 2025, fits the mold. He delivered one of the league’s most efficient breakout seasons before a rotator cuff strain cut it short. He is still expected to be ready by Opening Day, making him a viable target for a win-now club.

Kris Bubic’s 2025 Season Stats

If Bubic returns fully healthy, pairing him with Crochet would give Boston a formidable 1-2 pitching combination – one that could significantly boost their postseason hopes.

The Cost: Boston’s Outfield Logjam Solved

Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet (Image via AP Photo)

Trading Duran would sting, considering his speed, energy, and lineup presence. But it would also clean up one of Boston’s most crowded areas.

How the Lineup Adjusts Without Duran

• Roman Anthony becomes the everyday left fielder • The designated hitter spot opens for Masataka Yoshida • Flexibility increases for adding another bat if the Red Sox pursue external optionsThis reshaping could help the Red Sox build a more balanced roster as they continue to push toward contention.

Kansas City’s Perspective

For the Royals, Duran offers an immediate upgrade at the top of the order and long-term stability. Reuter highlighted this value, noting that Duran “could plug a hole in the lineup and at the top of the batting order for multiple seasons, serving as a table-setter for Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino.”With Bubic heading toward his arbitration years and the Royals focusing on deepening their lineup, the proposal fits their long-term strategy.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Chicago Cubs predicted to land $400 million Detroit Tiger Cy Young Winner in blockbuster dealThe Red Sox have already taken steps to strengthen their rotation, but targeting Kris Bubic could be the move that pushes them closer to true championship contention. Losing Duran would be difficult, yet the potential return – a controllable All-Star pitcher and a promising young catcher – makes the proposal worth considering.

Winter storm warnings are in effect for parts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont on Tuesday due to the possibility of heavy snow, with accumulations of 6-9 inches in some areas. And portions of central and northern Vermont are under a winter storm warning.

This first wintry blast of the season is expected to begin Tuesday morning, with the heaviest accumulation occurring later in the day.

Some areas of southeastern New England might see mostly rain, while areas to the west and north are likely to see plowable snow.

Here’s a closer look at the timing, track and projected snowfall totals from Tuesday’s storm:

Snowfall totals

Travel impacts

Projected wind gusts

Rainfall totals

High temperatures Monday & Tuesday

More snow this weekend?

MERRY EXCHANGE If you’ve read Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” too many winters in a row and are looking for a new seasonal read, the Trident Booksellers & Cafe hosts their Holiday Book Swap, a grab-and-go-style exchange for anyone who wants to trade a well-loved book for a new read. The event takes place in the Stacks, Trident’s large event space, and readers are encouraged to stay and mingle over their new library additions. Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m. Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St. tridentbookscafe.com

FOLKLORIC FUN Krampus, the German folkloric character who acts as Santa’s evil counterpart, gets his own celebration from the Brighton Bazaar over the weekend at the Charles River Speedway. On Saturday, Medieval Merriment founder and costume and creature maker Elsa the Fool hosts a medieval costume contest. Then, on Sunday, Salem street performer Goat Girl brings some goat-headed crowd interaction. Throughout the Speedway, vendors will be selling vintage and handmade merchandise befitting a folklore-themed celebration. Dec. 6-7. Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave. instagram.com/thebrightonbazaar

INDIE COMIC CON The Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo, or MICE, invites over 200 artists and writers for a rodent-themed indie comic convention. The expo’s headlining artists are Boston-born artist Scott McCloud, known for his comic about making comics, “Understanding Comics,” and ND Stevenson, whose graphic novel series “Nimona” was adapted into an animated Netflix film in 2023, though both panels are ticketed with a fee. However, for free, you can peruse the aisles to explore work from over 200 artists and illustrators. Dec. 6-7. RSVP required. Peter Fuller Building, 808 Commonwealth Ave. micexpo.org

STORIES ON SALE If you love reading or scouring through bargain bins, the Somerville Library has just the opportunity for you: The annual Friends of the Somerville Library deal, which takes place Saturday and Sunday, offers a large selection of books for purchase, all priced at $1. The sale raises funds for the library’s programming throughout the year. Dec. 6-7. Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Ave., Somerville. somervillepubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com

This week, experience some early holiday spirit at one of the tree lighting ceremonies taking place around Boston. Many offer activities, snacks, and refreshments.

Monday

Copley Square, 560 Boylston St. 4-6 p.m. boston.gov

Wednesday

Boston Landing, 92 Guest St. 4-7 p.m. eventbrite.com

Thursday

Boston Common. 6-8 p.m. boston.gov

Commonwealth Avenue Mall, 484 Commonwealth Ave. 8 p.m. boston.gov

Friday

Seaport Common, 85 Northern Ave. 5-8 p.m. bostonseaport.xyz

Check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information.

Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to ryan.yau@globe.com.

Ryan Yau can be reached at ryan.yau@globe.com.