Reds must capitalize on what Dodgers deal for Kyle Tucker just revealed

The Los Angeles Dodgers' embarrassment of riches became even more shameful last week after agreeing to an obscene four-year, $240 million contract with Kyle Tucker. The Dodgers' roster was already the best in the sport, and adding Tucker to the equation has many baseball fans wondering if they'll shatter the all-time wins record in 2026.

Some may feel as if small-market clubs have no chance to compete, but the reality is that the Cincinnati Reds are arguably one bat away from becoming one of top contenders in the National League. The Reds already have one of the best starting rotations in the league, and if they're able to find that middle-of-the-order masher, Cincy could be a dark horse to make a run at the pennant.

The Reds don't have $60 million to throw at one player like the Dodgers, but maybe they don't need to. While Tucker is viewed as one of the best players in the league, Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has put up very similar stats over the past few seasons and has been quietly shopped throughout winter.

Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran represents quite the bargain for the Reds after Dodgers-Kyle Tucker deal

Duran is signed for just $7.7 million in 2026 and is under team control through 2028. That's a bargain for the type of numbers he's put up the past two seasons. The Boston slugger owns a .271/.337/.468 slash line with 37 home runs, 159 RBI, and 58 stolen bases since 2024. During that same span, Tucker's hit .274/.388/.507 with 45 homers, 122 RBI, and 36 steals. There's little difference between those two lines, and yet Tucker's being paid 83% more than Duran next season.

Duran is exactly the type of bat the Reds need. Though he bats from the left side — similar to Elly De La Cruz — he'd offer ample protection for Cincinnati's superstar. Manager Terry Francona could slot Duran anywhere among the top-4 spots in the lineup, and it would greatly improve the Reds' chances to score runs in bunches during the upcoming season.

The price would be steep, and probably cost the Reds their No. 2 starter, Nick Lodolo. But given his injury-riddled past, one has to wonder if Cincinnati is playing with fire once again as they head into the upcoming season leaning on the lefty to give them 25-plus starts. Lodolo had a relatively healthy 2025 campaign, but he's one finger blister away from missing an entire month.

The Reds have Julian Aguiar and Brandon Williamson returning from injury, and former first-round picks Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns bring tantalizing talent to the rotation. Add those four arms to the trio of Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Brady Singer, and Cincinnati still has the type of starting rotation that can compete against anybody.

The Reds front office has drug its feet for far too long this winter. It's time for Nick Krall to strike deal for the bat they've needed since the offseason began, and Cincy can't do much better than Duran.