The Boston Red Sox are staring down a major infield question this offseason, and it’s one that got a whole lot louder after Alex Bregman packed his bags for Chicago. With the hot corner now wide open and few appealing options left on the free agent market, Boston’s best path forward looks like it runs straight through the trade block.
And while names like Isaac Paredes, Brett Baty, and Matt Shaw have been floated as potential fits, there’s one intriguing possibility that hasn’t gotten nearly enough attention - and it would certainly shake things up.
In a recent trade proposal, the Red Sox would land Washington Nationals All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams in exchange for a package headlined by left-handed pitching prospect Connelly Early, along with right-hander Juan Valera and infielder David Hamilton.
Let’s break this one down.
The Deal: Red Sox Receive CJ Abrams
Nationals Receive:
- LHP Connelly Early
- RHP Juan Valera
- IF David Hamilton
At first glance, this is a bold swing by Boston. Early is one of the more promising arms in the system, Valera has upside, and Hamilton brings speed and infield versatility.
That’s a decent haul of young talent. But what the Red Sox would be getting in return is a 25-year-old with All-Star credentials and plenty of upside - even if it comes with a twist.
The Position Switch: Abrams to Second Base?
Here’s where things get interesting. Abrams has been a shortstop throughout his career, and he’s been the everyday guy at that spot for the Nationals. But the proposal would see him slide over to second base in Boston.
Now, that might sound like a downgrade on paper - moving an All-Star shortstop off his natural position - but the numbers tell a more nuanced story. Defensively, Abrams has had his struggles at short.
His range and arm strength are solid, but the consistency hasn’t always been there. In fact, advanced metrics have painted him as a net negative at the position.
But in a limited look at second base - 13 games back in 2022 with the Padres - Abrams actually graded out well. It’s a small sample size, sure, but the idea that he could thrive with a bit less defensive responsibility isn’t far-fetched.
For Boston, this could be a win-win. They’d be adding a dynamic, left-handed bat to the middle infield and potentially improving their overall defense by putting Abrams in a more natural fit. And with his blend of speed, contact, and developing pop, Abrams brings a skill set that would play well at Fenway.
Is the Price Worth It?
No doubt, the Red Sox would be giving up real talent here. Early has the kind of stuff that could make him a mid-rotation starter down the line, and Valera’s fastball-slider combo is intriguing. Hamilton, while not a cornerstone piece, has shown flashes of being a useful utility guy at the big-league level.
But trades like this are about upside - and control. Abrams is under team control for three more seasons, and he’s already proven he can be an everyday contributor with a career OPS hovering around .717. That’s not elite, but it’s solid - and if he continues to develop at the plate, there's more in the tank.
For a Red Sox team trying to stay competitive in a loaded AL East, this kind of move signals intent. It’s not just about filling a hole - it’s about adding a long-term piece who could grow into a star in a new role.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill trade proposal. It’s bold.
It’s a bit unconventional. And it would require some real trust in Abrams’ ability to adapt and thrive at second base.
But if the Red Sox believe in his bat and think the defensive move could unlock another level, it’s the kind of calculated risk that could pay off in a big way.
Three years of team control on a 25-year-old All-Star with positional flexibility? That’s the kind of upside that’s hard to find - especially when the free agent market has already been picked clean.