The Red Sox infield is getting crowded, but are they aiming high enough? The team has recently made several moves to bolster their infield, bringing in former Gold Glover Isiah Kiner-Falefa on a one-year deal and Brendan Rodgers on a minor-league contract. They also added infielder Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers. While these additions certainly shore up the defensive capabilities of the infield, it leaves one wondering if the team is truly reaching for the stars.
But here's where it gets controversial... The most coveted infield targets are already off the board. The Red Sox had their sights set on re-signing Alex Bregman, but the Cubs swooped in and outbid them. Similarly, the team showed significant interest in Ketel Marte when the Diamondbacks were open to trade discussions earlier this offseason. According to league sources, the Sox were prepared to offer a package featuring Franklin Arias and either Payton Tolle or Connelly Early for Marte. However, when Arizona countered by asking for Marcelo Mayer and one of their pitchers, the Red Sox declined. Ultimately, the Diamondbacks decided to halt trade talks for Marte in early January and haven't reopened them, though their stance could change depending on how their season unfolds. And this is the part most people miss... Shortly after Opening Day, Marte will gain the right to veto any trade due to his extensive service time in the majors. This significantly limits the Red Sox' options for acquiring him.
The free agent infield market is now largely depleted, making a trade the most viable, and perhaps only, avenue for the Red Sox to significantly upgrade their infield. So, who are the Red Sox willing to part with to achieve this upgrade?
While most front offices claim no player is truly untouchable, the Red Sox have shown a strong reluctance to consider trading outfielder Wilyer Abreu. His combination of talent, long-term team control (four more years), and a pre-arbitration salary makes him a highly valuable asset. Furthermore, in recent trade discussions, the Sox have also been hesitant to include Payton Tolle and Connelly Early in any deals.
Beyond these key players, the Red Sox appear more open to trading prospects, especially those whose primary impact might not be felt until future seasons. They have also indicated a willingness to discuss Jarren Duran as a trade candidate. This openness to moving Duran seems to stem from having a surplus of outfielders (four for three spots) and the potential to offset the salaries of any high-priced players they might acquire. While moving Duran's contract isn't a prerequisite for a deal, it's a consideration if the Sox are pushing their spending limits. Industry sources suggest that starter Patrick Sandoval could also be a trade chip to offset another player's salary.
Here's a point that might spark some debate... The Red Sox have reportedly been actively pursuing third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Astros. His tendency to pull the ball in the air as a right-handed hitter makes him an attractive option for Fenway Park, and he could provide much-needed power to the middle of their lineup. The Astros, currently with a crowded infield due to Jose Altuve shifting positions, could potentially be looking to balance their lineup with a lefty hitter and strengthen their rotation. However, Paredes was a top hitter for Houston last year, and despite their infield depth, the Astros value it given their recent injury history and the ages of their players. They might also prefer acquiring less expensive, long-term controlled players like Tolle or Early over Duran, whose salary is nearing what Paredes will earn.
The Red Sox are also reportedly in discussions with the Cubs about infielders Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw. Chicago is weighing whether to trade one of these players, especially after signing Bregman, or keep both and utilize Shaw as a versatile utility player. Sources indicate the Red Sox are among the top two or three most serious suitors for a Cubs infielder.
Nico Hoerner is an elite defensive second baseman who demonstrated strong on-base skills and speed last year, hitting .297/.345/.394 with seven homers and 29 steals. He could significantly lengthen the Red Sox lineup. Matt Shaw, while having a more uncertain profile, showed flashes of potential as a rookie, particularly in the second half of the season after a mid-year minor league assignment, posting a .258/.317/.522 line in that stretch. Shaw offers six years of team control, while Hoerner is a free agent after 2026. However, the Cubs could extend Hoerner, altering this short-term versus long-term dynamic.
The Cubs and Red Sox have discussed trades involving Jarren Duran heading to Chicago in exchange for an infielder. To date, the Red Sox have been unwilling to include Connelly Early in such a deal.
And this is the part most people miss... Beyond these prominent discussions, the Red Sox have also been linked to Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin. The 25-year-old finished third in Rookie of the Year voting last season, hitting .256/.334/.387 with 11 homers and 18 steals, while also showcasing solid defense at third base and filling in at short and second. He represents another potential avenue for the Red Sox to strengthen their infield.
What do you think? Are the Red Sox making the right moves to truly contend, or are they settling for incremental improvements? Should they be more willing to part with top prospects to acquire a proven star? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
