The Boston Red Sox are still looking for answers on the infield, and the search might be heating up again. After last year's high-profile signing of Alex Bregman created a positional logjam with Rafael Devers-who wasn’t exactly eager to switch to first base-neither player is still with the team. That leaves Boston back at square one, trying to patch up its infield depth heading into the 2026 season.
They’ve already made a couple of moves this offseason, bringing in catcher Willson Contreras and, more recently, versatile infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa. But those additions haven’t fully addressed the infield puzzle, especially when it comes to locking down second and third base. That’s where trade talks come into play-and two names have emerged as potential targets: Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros and Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs.
According to MLB insider J.P. Morosi, both players are firmly on Boston’s radar.
“I’d put Isaac Paredes in there with Nico Hoerner as being the two significant trade options for the coming days,” Morosi said on MLB Network. And it’s not hard to see why.
Both players bring something Boston could use-defensive reliability, positional flexibility, and in Hoerner’s case, a skill set that seems tailor-made for manager Alex Cora’s style of play.
Let’s break it down.
Isaac Paredes just inked a one-year, $9.35 million deal with the Astros to avoid arbitration. That contract includes a $13.35 million club option for 2027, which becomes a mutual option if he finishes in the top 10 of MVP voting this season.
That kind of cost certainty makes him an attractive trade chip. Paredes has shown he can hit for power and handle the hot corner, giving Boston a potential solution at third base if they want to go that route.
Nico Hoerner, meanwhile, might be an even more intriguing fit. He’s entering the final year of a three-year, $35 million extension with the Cubs, and his value has never been higher.
In 2025, Hoerner posted a 6.2 bWAR season-his best yet-thanks largely to his elite defense. He played in at least 150 games for the third straight year, showing both durability and consistency.
Offensively, he delivered a .297/.345/.394 slash line with a 114 OPS+, despite hitting just seven home runs. He’s not a slugger, but he gets on base, puts the ball in play, and brings a level of defensive polish that would instantly upgrade Boston’s middle infield.
Morosi believes Hoerner is the more likely of the two to be moved this offseason, and he also sees a natural fit between the player and Boston’s clubhouse culture. “Nico Hoerner is an Alex Cora type of player,” Morosi said.
“If there’s going to be a trade for Boston, I’d say Hoerner is the better fit. Of course, the price tag is still going to be high because the Cubs like him, too.”
And that’s the key. The Cubs aren’t exactly eager to part ways with Hoerner, but with free agency looming after this season, the front office may be forced to weigh long-term value against short-term contribution. Boston, on the other hand, has both the need and the flexibility to make a move if the price is right.
So as the offseason continues to unfold, keep an eye on Boston’s next move. Whether it’s Paredes or Hoerner, the Red Sox appear ready to make a play to solidify their infield. And with the AL East shaping up to be as competitive as ever, they’ll need to get it right.