The Boston Red Sox are leaving no stone unturned this offseason, and their latest round of infield trade discussions proves just how serious they are about reshaping the roster. After a 2024 campaign marred by defensive lapses and an inconsistent offense, Boston is aggressively exploring upgrades - and they’re aiming high.
According to recent reports, the Red Sox have had trade conversations involving four notable infielders: Ketel Marte, Corey Seager, Isaac Paredes, and Brendan Donovan. These names join an already lengthy list of potential targets that has included the likes of Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, Eugenio Suárez, and Pete Alonso - the latter of whom is now off the board after signing with the Orioles.
While each of these players brings something different to the table, one name jumps off the page: Corey Seager.
Let’s be clear - Seager isn’t just another trade target. He’s a two-time World Series MVP, a five-time All-Star, and one of the most complete shortstops in the game when healthy. If the Red Sox are serious about making a leap in 2025, this is the kind of move that could shift the trajectory of the entire franchise.
Now, acquiring Seager wouldn’t be simple. He’s under contract with the Rangers through 2030, and Texas doesn’t appear eager to move him.
But the fact that Boston has even engaged in discussions speaks volumes about their intent. This isn’t just window shopping - it’s a sign that the front office is willing to get aggressive in pursuit of elite talent.
How Seager Fits in Boston’s Infield Picture
The Red Sox already have Trevor Story penciled in at shortstop, but that shouldn’t be a roadblock. Story’s defensive range took a noticeable hit last season, and shifting him to second base could actually benefit both him and the team. Meanwhile, Seager remains one of the game’s best at short, ranking in the 85th percentile in range and recording four outs above average in 2024.
Offensively, Seager would be a game-changer for a Red Sox lineup that struggled to find rhythm last season. In just 102 games, he slashed .271/.373/.487 with 21 home runs, 19 doubles, and 50 RBI.
That’s good for an .860 OPS and a 6.2 bWAR - in barely two-thirds of a season. Had he stayed healthy, we’d likely be talking about another All-Star nod.
And that’s the caveat with Seager: health. He’s dealt with his fair share of injuries throughout his 11-year career and hasn’t played more than 123 games in a season since 2022.
Still, when he’s on the field, he’s one of the most impactful players in baseball. His bat brings consistency, his glove brings stability, and his postseason pedigree brings leadership to a clubhouse that could use all three.
A Proven Winner with Championship DNA
Seager’s playoff résumé speaks for itself. He helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series title in 2020, earning MVP honors, and did it again in 2023 with the Rangers.
That kind of postseason experience isn’t just a bonus - it’s a blueprint. The Red Sox have a young core and are looking to return to October baseball.
Having someone who’s been there, done that, and thrived under the brightest lights could be invaluable.
Of course, trading for Seager would come with a hefty price tag. With six years left on his deal, the financial commitment alone would be significant. Add in the prospect capital it would likely take to get a deal done, and it’s clear this would be a blockbuster in every sense.
But for a Red Sox team trying to re-establish itself in a competitive AL East, these are the kinds of swings that can turn a rebuild into a resurgence.
What’s Next?
It’s unclear how far trade talks have progressed, or whether any of these discussions will materialize into real negotiations. But the fact that Boston is actively in the mix for players of Seager’s caliber - and also checking in on versatile, younger options like Paredes, Donovan, and Marte - shows a front office that’s not content with standing pat.
There’s no single fix for the Red Sox’s issues, but adding a cornerstone like Seager would be a massive step forward. Whether the Rangers are willing to deal him remains to be seen, but if Boston can find a way to make it work, they wouldn’t just be improving their infield - they’d be reshaping their identity.
For now, the offseason chessboard is still in motion. But the Red Sox are making it clear: they’re ready to play big.