The Boston Red Sox have been busy this offseason, but there’s still work to be done-especially on the infield. After last year’s high-profile (and ultimately short-lived) experiment with Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers, both players are now out of the picture. That’s left Boston with a glaring need for stability on the dirt, even after adding catcher Willson Contreras and versatile infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Now, the Red Sox are reportedly eyeing two intriguing trade targets: Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes and Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner. According to MLB insider J.P. Morosi, these two are among the most significant names to watch on the trade market-and Boston is firmly in the mix.
“Paredes and Hoerner are two of the most meaningful trade options right now,” Morosi told MLB Network. “And the one team that clearly has both the interest and the need for either of them is the Boston Red Sox.”
Let’s break down what each player brings to the table-and why Boston might lean toward one over the other.
Isaac Paredes: Power with Control
Paredes is coming off a strong season in Houston and recently inked a one-year, $9.35 million deal to avoid arbitration. The contract includes a $13.35 million club option for 2027, which becomes a mutual option if he finishes in the top 10 in MVP voting. That kind of cost certainty is always attractive, especially for a team looking to build around controllable assets.
Paredes has shown he can hit for power and get on base, and while he’s not a defensive wizard, he’s more than serviceable at third base. For Boston, the appeal here would be plugging a power bat into the lineup at a position of need-though it’s worth noting that the Astros may not be in a rush to move him unless the return is significant.
Nico Hoerner: The Cora Connection
Then there’s Nico Hoerner, who may be an even better fit for what Boston is trying to build. Hoerner is entering the final year of a three-year, $35 million extension and is coming off the best season of his career. He posted a 6.2 bWAR in 2025, thanks largely to elite defense and consistent availability-he’s played at least 150 games in each of the last three seasons.
At the plate, Hoerner isn’t going to wow you with home run totals-he hit just seven last year-but he’s a tough out. His .297/.345/.394 slash line and 114 OPS+ reflect a player who knows how to put the ball in play and contribute in big moments. He’s the kind of guy who grinds out at-bats, runs the bases well, and brings a steady glove up the middle.
Morosi believes Hoerner is a more natural fit for manager Alex Cora’s style of play. “Nico Hoerner is an Alex Cora type of player,” he 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.”
What’s Next for Boston?
If the Red Sox are serious about competing in 2026, adding a high-level infielder makes a lot of sense. Kiner-Falefa brings versatility, but he’s not a long-term answer at either second or third. Contreras helps behind the plate, but the infield still needs a cornerstone.
Hoerner’s defensive consistency and contact-first approach would give Boston a stabilizing force in the middle infield-something they’ve lacked in recent years. Paredes, meanwhile, offers more pop and comes with a bit more contractual control. Both players would be upgrades, but the choice may come down to philosophy: do the Red Sox want to lean into power, or do they want to double down on defense and contact hitting?
Either way, it’s clear Boston isn’t done reshaping its roster. The next few weeks could tell us a lot about how aggressive they plan to be-and which direction they’re steering under Alex Cora’s leadership.