The Boston Red Sox have been busy this offseason, retooling a roster that needed a serious jolt after last year’s underwhelming campaign. They’ve added proven arms in Sonny Gray and Ranger Suárez to bolster a rotation that lacked consistency.
They’ve also brought in veteran infielders Willson Contreras and Isiah Kiner-Falefa to add experience and versatility. But even with those moves, there’s still a noticeable hole at third base - a void left behind after Alex Bregman opted to sign with the Chicago Cubs.
Now, the Red Sox may be looking to circle back to the Cubs, this time with trade talks centered around infield help. According to reports, Boston has been in discussions with Chicago about potentially acquiring either Nico Hoerner or Matt Shaw - two players who could immediately plug into the Red Sox infield and address their current need.
Let’s start with Hoerner. The 2025 season was a breakout year for the Cubs’ second baseman, and not just at the plate.
Defensively, he was lights out - leading all second basemen in Defensive Runs Saved with 17 and ranking among the league’s elite in Outs Above Average. That glove work earned him his second Gold Glove and solidified his reputation as one of the best defenders in the game.
Add in a 6.1 bWAR across 156 games, and you’re looking at a player who brings value on both sides of the ball. While his power numbers don’t jump off the page - just seven home runs - he still slashed .297/.345/.394 with a 114 OPS+, showing he can be a tough out and a steady presence in the lineup.
Hoerner is entering the final year of a three-year, $35 million extension, which means his trade value is high - and so is the price tag. But that also makes him a prime candidate for a win-now team like Boston, especially considering president of baseball operations Craig Breslow’s stated focus on competing in 2026. Trading for Hoerner wouldn’t just be a move to fill a gap - it would be a statement that the Red Sox are serious about contending right now.
Then there’s Matt Shaw, a 24-year-old infielder who showed promise in his rookie season. He wasn’t just holding his own - he was making a name for himself, finishing in the top 10 in National League Rookie of the Year voting.
Shaw brings a different kind of appeal: youth, upside, and the potential to grow into a long-term infield solution. He’s not as polished as Hoerner yet, but the tools are there, and he’s already shown poise beyond his years.
The Cubs, now flush with infield talent thanks to the addition of Bregman, have the flexibility to listen to offers. And with the Red Sox carrying an extra outfielder, there’s a natural trade framework to explore. It’s not just about finding a fit - it’s about finding the right value on both sides.
According to league insiders, Boston is seriously weighing the cost. Hoerner, in particular, would require a significant return. But if Breslow is committed to pushing the chips in for 2026, this is the kind of bold move that could pay off in a big way.
With other infield options like Brendan Donovan already off the board and others like Isaac Paredes or Eugenio Suárez not seen as ideal fits, the path toward a Cubs-Red Sox trade feels more viable - if Boston is willing to pay the price.
So here’s where things stand: the Red Sox have reshaped their roster in meaningful ways this offseason, but the infield still needs one more piece. Whether that’s the steady, Gold Glove-winning Nico Hoerner or the up-and-coming Matt Shaw, Boston has options - and a clear opportunity to make a statement before Opening Day.