As spring training draws near, the Boston Red Sox are still hunting for that final piece to round out their infield - and the clock is ticking. With the free-agent market thinning out and trade options dwindling, Boston’s front office is reportedly zeroing in on a few names, including Houston’s Isaac Paredes and a pair of Chicago Cubs infielders: Matt Shaw and Nico Hoerner.
So far, there hasn’t been much traction on any of those fronts, but it’s not for lack of effort on Boston’s part. The Cubs, in particular, have shown a willingness to listen on both Hoerner and Shaw, though they’re not exactly pushing either player out the door. Still, a recent report suggests that Hoerner could be pried away - for the right price.
According to a February 3 report, Chicago has been open to moving Hoerner at various points this offseason. The logic?
The Cubs' signing of Alex Bregman opens the door for Shaw to slide over to second base, making Hoerner more expendable. But it won’t come cheap.
Hoerner is under contract through 2026 at $12 million for that final year, and the Cubs would need a strong return to make a move.
For the Red Sox, Hoerner might just be the best fit among the options on the table. He’s a proven big leaguer, a Gold Glove-caliber defender, and someone who could immediately shore up the middle infield.
That’s exactly what Boston needs after parting ways with Alex Bregman earlier this offseason. While Shaw offers more long-term upside - he’s younger and under team control for five more years - he’s also unproven at the MLB level.
And with Boston already having dipped deep into its prospect pool this winter, another high-cost trade for an untested player may not be the wisest route.
Let’s not forget: the Sox have already gone all-in on a few “win-now” moves. Trading for Sonny Gray, who’s on a one-year deal, and Willson Contreras, who’s under contract for two years with an option, signals that the club is thinking about immediate contention.
Hoerner, even as a potential one-year rental, fits that mold. He brings stability, experience, and elite defense - all things Boston could use right now.
There’s always the chance that the Red Sox could work out an extension if they do land Hoerner, but even if they don’t, the move makes sense in the context of the offseason they’ve had. It’s about complementing what’s already been built, not overhauling the plan.
Sure, in a perfect world, Boston might’ve addressed this need via free agency. That route would’ve preserved the farm system, which has already taken some hits due to the flurry of trades this winter.
And yes, ownership has the financial muscle to make those kinds of signings. But that ship has sailed.
At this point, the Red Sox are operating in a landscape where the best remaining options are on the trade market.
That’s why Hoerner stands out. He’s the kind of player who can elevate a roster that’s already been reshaped to compete right now. He’s not just a stopgap - he’s a legitimate contributor who could help Boston chase a pennant this season.
The Red Sox have made their intentions clear. They’re not rebuilding.
They’re not waiting for next year. They’re trying to win now.
And if that’s the case, then Nico Hoerner might just be the final piece they need to make that push real.