If the Red Sox find themselves in position to buy at the 2026 trade deadline, the shopping list sounds pretty straightforward: get a right-handed bat, and if possible, make it one who can handle the middle infield.
That’s the fit MLB.com’s Ian Browne pointed to, and it makes sense for Boston’s lineup construction. Browne wrote, "Red Sox: Right-handed bat," Browne writes. "A right-handed hitter who could take advantage of Fenway Park and play the middle infield would be an ideal fit."
Fenway Park is the obvious reason this profile stands out. The Green Monster in left field gives a right-handed hitter a real chance to do damage, especially if he can pull the ball in the air. Boston already has a good example of how valuable that kind of hitter can be this season in Willson Contreras.
The middle infield piece matters too. The Red Sox could use help at second base for Marcelo Mayer or at shortstop for Trevor Story, which is why a player who can cover one of those spots would check even more boxes.
One name that fits the description is Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros. He’s a right-handed slugger who pulls the ball in the air well, and that skill set plays beautifully at Fenway. He’s mainly a third baseman, but he can also handle second base.
Paredes isn’t just a clean fit for the ballpark. He’s also the kind of player Boston could think about if it wants help beyond just the 2026 push. If the Red Sox are buying, he should be on the short list.
The two sides were linked to each other over the offseason, with Jarren Duran as the trade chip going back to Houston. Given Duran’s struggles this season, Boston would have reason to revisit that framework if the Astros are willing.
And even if the Red Sox aren’t making a full-on move to chase the 2026 race, the logic still holds: a controllable right-handed slugger like Paredes would fit what Fenway asks for. Boston should keep that in mind if it gets the chance to buy.
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