Cleveland targets a true center fielder this offseason as it mulls a Duran-led path to upgrade. Boston seeks starting pitching and a solid first baseman, while its farm glow shines with Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell. Duran’s durability and contact skills make him a prime fit in Cleveland’s outfield mix, potentially pairing with Kayfus to balance power and defense. Guardians expectations hinge on adding Ben Lively and John Means, with rotation stability and stacked internal options in play.

The Red Sox aim to lock in college- and prospect-heavy assets to build around Anthony, Rafaela, Abreu, and Garcia, while trimming payroll by moving Yoshida’s contract if possible. If Duran moves, Kayfus could headline the swap, letting Cleveland push Manzardo’s defense to the limit and slide Duran to center, DeLauter to right, and Valera at DH as Velazquez accelerates toward a fuller 1B/DH role.

NL Central rivals Milwaukee and Chicago collide in the NLDS, setting up a glove-driven war where outs and range trump home run swing diplomacy. Cubs’ infield leaders Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson anchor a top-tier defense, with Pete Crow-Armstrong patrolling center and contributing range. Milwaukee counters with Brice Turang, William Contreras, Joey Ortiz and Sal Frelick delivering elite play on the dirt and behind the plate. The series leans on defense, with both clubs excelling in defensive metrics and turning batted balls into outs.

Defensive metrics back the storyline: Cubs sit just behind the league leaders in defensive efficiency, fielding run value and outs above average, while Milwaukee sits solidly in the upper tier. In a best-of-five, the glove work could swing the balance in tight games, elevating pitching and situational defense as the ultimate differentiator.