The Boston Red Sox have been circling the infield market ever since Alex Bregman slipped through their fingers and landed with the Cubs. And now, with spring training just around the corner, the name Nico Hoerner continues to pop up - both as a potential solution for Boston and, more worryingly for Sox fans, as a possible target for the Yankees.
Let’s start with the fit: Hoerner would be a near-perfect addition to the Red Sox roster. He’s a right-handed bat who absolutely crushes left-handed pitching - he hit .369 against southpaws last season - and he doesn’t strike out much, posting a minuscule 5.4% K-rate. That’s the kind of contact profile that plays in any park, especially when you’re trying to balance out a lineup that could use more consistency from the right side.
But it’s not just the bat. Hoerner brings elite defense to the table, with two Gold Gloves already on his résumé.
That kind of glove up the middle is something every contender craves, and Boston’s infield could certainly benefit from his steady presence. He’s the type of player who doesn’t make headlines every night, but over 162 games, he wins you ballgames with the little things - turning double plays, extending at-bats, and making the smart play in the field.
The issue? Boston’s not the only team paying attention.
According to recent reporting, the Yankees are also eyeing Hoerner as they search for one last impact move to round out their roster. Despite winning the Cody Bellinger sweepstakes, New York still has a need for another right-handed bat - and Hoerner checks a lot of the same boxes for them as he does for Boston. Plus, the Yankees have already shown a willingness to prioritize defense, adding Ryan McMahon at last year’s trade deadline largely for his glove.
If Hoerner ends up in pinstripes, it would sting - badly - for Red Sox fans. Watching the Cubs first land Bregman, then flip Hoerner to their biggest rival?
That’s the kind of one-two gut punch that could hang over an entire season. So while Boston would love to land Hoerner, at this point, they might just be hoping he stays in Chicago.
And that’s starting to feel like the most likely outcome. While the Cubs haven’t slammed the door shut on a Hoerner deal, the buzz suggests it’s more of a long shot now than it was a few weeks ago. That’s why names like Isaac Paredes have started to surface as more realistic targets for Boston - players who might not have Hoerner’s all-around game, but could still provide value without costing as much in return.
There’s also the contract situation to consider. Hoerner is set to hit free agency after this season, which means any team acquiring him is likely looking at a one-year rental.
For Boston, giving up significant assets for a short-term piece doesn’t make a ton of sense unless they’re confident he’s the final piece of a championship puzzle. And the same logic might apply to the Yankees, who have been linked to several other right-handed bats that could come cheaper in terms of prospect capital.
So where does that leave Boston? Still one move away, it seems.
The offseason has been solid - not spectacular - and adding a player like Hoerner would certainly elevate the team’s ceiling. But with the Cubs holding firm and the Yankees lurking, the Red Sox may have to pivot.
The good news? There’s still time.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has the trade deadline to work with, and if this front office has shown anything so far, it’s that they’re not afraid to get creative. The Hoerner door might be closing, but Boston’s window to improve is still wide open.