The Red Sox's Infielder Hunt: A Tale of Trade Talks and Unfulfilled Desires
As the Boston Red Sox gear up for spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, their chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, is on a mission to find a slugging infielder. But here's where it gets intriguing: the team's search is not just about filling a position, it's about finding a player who can bring power to the plate and make an impact in Fenway Park.
Sean McAdam of Masslive.com reports that the Red Sox are actively seeking an infielder with offensive prowess, and they're not alone in this pursuit. Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reveals that the Sox are in trade talks with the Cubs, eyeing both Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw, a Massachusetts native. The Cubs, however, are faced with a dilemma: should they part with one of these players or keep both and utilize Shaw as a super-utility option?
"According to one source, the Sox are among the most serious suitors for a Chicago infielder," Speier adds, highlighting the team's determination.
But the story doesn't end there. Tim Healey of the Boston Globe sheds light on the ideal acquisition: a right-handed infielder with sharp defensive skills who can boost the lineup. Healey describes this player as a "unicorn" in the current offseason market.
Among the available candidates, Healey mentions the Cubs' Nico Hoerner, known for his strong defense but average batting record, and the Astros' Isaac Paredes, a right-handed batter whose style is well-suited to Fenway Park, despite his defensive shortcomings.
And this is the part most people miss: the Red Sox almost had their slugging infielder in Isaac Paredes. Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic report that the Astros had serious discussions about a three-way trade, which would have sent Paredes to Boston and brought utilityman Brendan Donovan to Houston. However, the deal fell through, and the Red Sox were left empty-handed.
"Boston remains one of at least five teams engaged with the Astros about Paredes," Rosenthal and Rome note. The Pittsburgh Pirates, in need of an upgrade at third base, were also in the mix but ultimately failed to sign Eugenio Suárez.
Paredes, a two-time All-Star, had a career-high season in 2025, hitting .254 with 20 home runs and 53 RBIs. Hoerner, a two-time Gold Glove winner, maintained a solid .297 batting average in 2025. Shaw, a promising young talent, finished ninth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, showcasing his potential with 13 home runs, 44 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases in 126 games.
So, the question remains: Will the Red Sox find their slugging infielder? And if so, who will it be? The trade talks continue, and the fate of the Red Sox's infield is yet to be determined. What do you think? Should the Sox pursue a trade or look elsewhere? Let's discuss in the comments!
