The Boston Red Sox are still likely to make another major move ahead of the 2026 season. Boston has already completed several key acquisitions, both by trade and free agency, throughout the winter. Nevertheless, there are still some glaring question marks regarding the club’s roster heading towards opening day.
It was revealed on February 4 that the Red Sox are looking to bring in a right-handed outfielder. The decision ultimately comes down to the fact that the team is currently far too left-handed heavy. Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, and Masataka Yoshida all bat from the left side. Meanwhile, Ceddanne Rafaela remains the only right-handed outfielder on the roster.
Top Red Sox exec Craig Breslow can, however, use one of these lefty outfielders in a trade to help out the team’s top concern. After losing Alex Bregman in free agency, Boston now has a glaring hole in their infield. ESPN’s Buster Olney has claimed that the club could solve the issue in-house. A potential blockbuster trade cannot be ruled out, though.
According to MLB insider Jim Morosi, star duo Nico Hoerner and Isaac Paredes are the two most significant trade options for the Red Sox. Speaking on MLB Network, the insider particularly pointed to the Chicago Cubs second baseman. Morosi claimed Hoerner would be the overall better fit in Boston.
Bregman Could Actually Help Boston Red Sox Acquire Nico Hoerner
GettyNico Hoerner is widely considered one of the best second basemen in baseball.
Morosi made the assertion due to how Hoerner would work with Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “Nico Hoerner is an Alex Cora-type player,” stated the insider. “And if there is going to be a trade for Boston, I would say that Hoerner is the better fit. Of course, the price tag is still going to be high, because the Cubs like him, too… I would say more likely Hoerner than Paredes to watch in the days ahead.”
Interestingly enough, Boston’s chances of grabbing Hoerner were boosted by Bregman signing with the Cubs. Because of the move, Chicago now has three players for two positions. Along with Bregman and Hoerner, the highly rated Matt Shaw can also play both second and third base.
At the moment, Hoerner is the better player compared to Shaw. Nevertheless, it was previously reported that the Cubs could essentially be forced to trade Hoerner this offseason. The two-time Gold Glove winner is set to enter his final year under contract and is heading towards free agency. Chicago may be looking to offload the star before watching him leave for nothing next fall.
Hoerner Trade Would Solve Two Different Problems for Boston
In a potential deal for Hoerner, the Red Sox could kill two birds with one stone. Breslow could send one of his left-handed outfielders, likely either Abreu or Duran, to Chicago as part of the deal. In turn, Boston would ease a positional logjam, while also adding a much-needed right-handed bat. The move would be the best-case scenario for the Red Sox.
According to Baseball Reference, Hoerner posted an impressive 6.2 WAR in 2025. This particular figure equaled superstars Juan Soto and Corey Seager on the season. While the infielder is typically seen as more of a defensive player, he is also a valuable hitter. In fact, Hoerner posted a .297 batting average, 178 hits, and 89 runs in the most recent campaign.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Red Sox Named Best Fit for Star on the Trade Block appeared first on Heavy Sports.