The Boston Red Sox know where they need to get better - and they’re not being subtle about it. While pitching always takes center stage in conversations about run prevention, Boston’s front office is shifting the spotlight to another key area: infield defense.
“We tend to get caught up in the pitching portion of run prevention, but there are other key components as well - defense being the most obvious,” said Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow on Wednesday. “It’s really important that we improve our defense, particularly our infield defense. I’d argue that we have the best defensive outfield in baseball, but we led the league in errors last year and our out conversion needs to be improved.”
That’s not just lip service. The Red Sox have already made internal changes to re-emphasize defense, but Breslow acknowledged that any additions they make from here on out will be made with the glove in mind.
So, who’s on the radar? According to reports, Boston has been actively exploring trade options for an infielder, with three names emerging as potential fits: Nico Hoerner, Isaac Paredes, and Brendan Donovan.
Each brings something different to the table - and each would fill a crucial gap on the infield, likely slotting in alongside top prospect Marcelo Mayer, who’s expected to hold down one of the middle infield spots.
Let’s break them down:
Nico Hoerner might be the cleanest defensive fit. At 28, he’s already got two Gold Gloves (2023, 2025) to his name and brings the kind of versatility and reliability Boston has lacked on the dirt.
He’s played all over the infield and does it with elite range and instincts. The Cubs aren’t exactly eager to move him, but with the recent addition of Alex Bregman at third base, Hoerner may be a little more expendable than he was a few months ago.
Isaac Paredes, on the other hand, is the best bat of the bunch. He’s posted a .245/.348/.420 slash line the past two seasons, earning back-to-back All-Star nods in 2024 and 2025.
His offensive upside is clear - he brings power and patience, two things Boston could always use more of. The question is whether his glove fits the Red Sox’s renewed defensive focus.
Paredes has averaged negative-three defensive runs saved, which doesn’t exactly scream “run prevention upgrade.”
Then there’s Brendan Donovan, who might be the most balanced option. He’s a true utility man with a Gold Glove from 2022 and a reputation for being a steady, dependable defender wherever he’s placed.
He’s not going to carry the offense, but he gets on base and grinds out at-bats - classic glue-guy stuff. Plus, Boston and St.
Louis have a recent trade history, which could make a deal easier to execute.
Breslow has made it clear he’s open to dealing from the team’s surplus of starting pitching and infield depth. The pieces are there. The question now is whether he’s ready to make a move that aligns with Boston’s defensive priorities - and whether one of these three names becomes the next piece of the Red Sox’s infield puzzle.
With spring training creeping closer, the clock is ticking.