The Red Sox made a move this week, agreeing to a one-year, $6 million deal with versatile infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa. It's a solid addition, but it doesn’t look like Boston is done reshaping its infield just yet. According to reports, the front office is still actively looking to add another infielder - and when you look at the current roster mix, it’s easy to see why.
Kiner-Falefa brings glove-first value to the table. He’s a reliable defender who can handle multiple infield spots, but he’s not the kind of bat you pencil into the lineup every day. His ideal role is as a utility man - someone who can step in when needed, especially with injury concerns looming over Trevor Story and uncertainty around top prospect Marcelo Mayer.
Story’s durability has been a question mark, and while Mayer is one of the most exciting young names in the organization, he’s only logged 44 games of big-league experience. The Red Sox would love for him to win a starting job outright, but they also know they need insurance. Kiner-Falefa gives them that - a steady hand who can step in if Story hits the IL again or if Mayer needs more time to adjust.
Even with Kiner-Falefa in the fold, though, there’s still a gap to fill. Mayer could end up at third or second, but the team reportedly prefers him at third - which leaves second base as the most obvious area of need.
Right now, the internal options at the keystone include Kiner-Falefa, Romy González, and David Hamilton. González has some pop against lefties and fits as a platoon piece, while Hamilton brings speed and defense but lacks offensive upside.
Kristian Campbell appears to be shifting toward an outfield role, so he’s likely not in the infield mix.
That’s not exactly a group that screams "everyday starter," and with spring training right around the corner, the clock is ticking. The free-agent market is thin at this point - names like Ramón Urías, Luis Urías, and Adam Frazier are still out there, but none represent a clear upgrade over what Boston already has. That makes the trade market the more intriguing path, and the Sox have been linked to some interesting names.
One possibility is Isaac Paredes, who’s currently with the Astros. Houston’s infield is a bit crowded, so there’s at least a potential match there.
Paredes hasn’t played second base since 2023, and while he wouldn’t help much defensively, his bat would be a welcome addition. He’s a legitimate power threat, consistently delivering 20-plus homers per season.
If the Red Sox value the offensive upside enough, they could slot him at third and move Mayer to second - even if that’s not their first choice alignment.
A deal with Houston could make sense for both sides. The Astros are reportedly looking for a left-handed bat, ideally in the outfield.
That’s an area where Boston has depth, with Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Masataka Yoshida all in the mix. There’s potential for a mutually beneficial swap here - the kind of deal that could help both clubs address roster imbalances.
Another name on Boston’s radar is Nico Hoerner of the Cubs - arguably the best defensive second baseman in the game. He’d be a perfect fit for what the Red Sox are trying to build: a solid glove up the middle with enough offensive production to hold his own.
The catch? He’s not going to come cheap.
Convincing the Cubs to part with Hoerner would be a tall order.
Then there’s Matt Shaw, a less established option who’s still finding his footing in Chicago. With Hoerner only under contract for one more season, the Cubs may be reluctant to move Shaw, seeing him as the heir apparent. Still, if Boston’s willing to get creative - and aggressive - Shaw could be a more attainable target than Hoerner.
And while Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen has gone on record saying Ketel Marte isn’t on the block, things can change quickly in this league. Boston’s recent signing of Ranger Suárez has pushed some of their pitching prospects down the depth chart. If Hazen is listening, arms like Payton Tolle or Connelly Early could be enough to start a conversation.
At this point, it’s clear that chief baseball officer Craig Breslow isn’t just sitting back and waiting for spring training to arrive. There’s a real sense of urgency to round out this roster - and with pitchers and catchers reporting next week, the window for moves is getting tighter by the day.
Whether it’s a trade or a late free-agent signing, don’t be surprised if the Red Sox make another splash before camp opens. The infield puzzle isn’t quite solved yet - but the front office knows it, and they’re still working the phones.