The Boston Red Sox aren’t done reshaping their infield just yet. After watching Alex Bregman depart in free agency, the front office is still actively searching for reinforcements - even after making a major splash by locking in left-hander Ranger Suárez on a five-year, $130 million deal.
According to recent reports, Boston is preparing to hand the reins at third base to top prospect Marcelo Mayer, but that still leaves a hole up the middle. The Red Sox are now scouring the market for a second baseman, and there are a few intriguing names in play.
One of them is Nico Hoerner, who just wrapped up a strong 2025 season with the Cubs. Hoerner hit .297, swiped 29 bags, and brought home a Gold Glove at second base - a testament to his elite defensive range and instincts.
He also cracked the top 20 in NL MVP voting, finishing 19th. That’s the kind of all-around impact player who could stabilize the middle infield in Boston.
But here’s the catch: Hoerner is under team control for just one more season, and there’s no guarantee the Cubs are ready to move him - especially after they just added Bregman themselves.
Another name that’s surfaced in talks is Isaac Paredes, with the Red Sox reportedly engaged in conversations with the Astros. Houston has a bit of an infield surplus, and Paredes could be the odd man out.
He hit .254 with 20 home runs and 53 RBIs in 102 games last season, good for a 123 OPS+. His bat brings legitimate pop, and while his glove isn’t quite Gold Glove-caliber, the offensive upside makes him a compelling option.
There are also a couple of other names floating around - Alec Bohm and free agent Eugenio Suárez. Bohm, who’s coming off a bit of a down year with the Phillies, still managed to hit .287 with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs over 120 games.
That’s a solid line, even if it didn’t quite match his 2024 All-Star form. He’s a steady presence at third, though if Boston is truly committed to Mayer at the hot corner, Bohm would likely need to shift across the diamond or slide into a DH role.
Suárez, meanwhile, remains on the open market. He’s a proven veteran with power, though his strikeout rate and defensive metrics have fluctuated in recent years. Still, for a team looking to add depth and experience, he could be a short-term solution.
The Red Sox have options - and a clear need. With Mayer expected to step into a major role and the rotation getting a boost from Suárez (the pitcher, not the infielder), the focus now shifts to solidifying the infield. Whether they swing a trade or dip back into free agency, Boston’s next move could tell us a lot about how aggressive this front office plans to be in 2026.