The Red Sox infield situation is heating up! After missing out on Bo Bichette, the team is now scrambling to find ways to bolster their infield before the season starts. Let's dive into four potential options the Red Sox could pursue, keeping in mind that the landscape is constantly shifting.
First, the news: Bo Bichette has signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the Mets. This deal took a key target off the market for Boston, leaving them with fewer options to improve their infield. Also, Ketel Marte is off the table this offseason.
Option 1: Eugenio Suarez, Free Agent
Suarez is an intriguing possibility because he's a free agent, making him potentially the most accessible option. The Red Sox have reportedly considered him as a backup plan.
- Key Stats: The 34-year-old right-handed hitter could slot in at third base and immediately add power to the lineup. He hit 49 home runs last season, the fifth-most in baseball. He has hit at least 30 home runs in six of the last seven seasons (excluding 2020).
- The Catch: Suarez can be a bit of a boom-or-bust hitter. He had a .228 batting average last season and has hit below .250 in all but one season since 2020.
- The Upside: He would bring much-needed power to the Red Sox lineup. ESPN projected he might sign a two-year, $45 million contract.
Option 2: Nico Hoerner, 2B, Cubs
Could the Red Sox and Cubs strike a deal? With the Cubs signing Alex Bregman, they now have an infield surplus, potentially making Hoerner available.
- The Situation: Hoerner is under team control for only one more season.
- Key Stats: While he lacks Suarez's power, Hoerner is a more well-rounded player. He hit .297 last season and has a Gold Glove. He also had 29 stolen bases last season, 43 in 2023 and 31 in 2024.
- The Appeal: He's an excellent fielder, winning a Gold Glove in two of the last three seasons.
Option 3: Isaac Paredes, 3B, Astros
The Red Sox have also been linked to Paredes, and there have been talks with Houston about the third baseman.
- Key Stats: The 26-year-old right-handed hitter hit .254 with 20 home runs, 53 RBIs, and an .809 OPS in 102 games last season.
- The Context: The Astros acquired Paredes in a trade last offseason, and he still has two years of team control. So, he won't come cheap.
Option 4: A Trade with the Mets
The Mets' addition of Bichette has created an infield logjam, potentially making them willing trade partners. The Mets also need outfield help, while the Red Sox have a surplus.
- Potential Targets: Brett Baty and Mark Vientos could be options.
- Baty is a left-handed hitter who hit .254 with 18 home runs and a .748 OPS in 130 games last season.
- Vientos is a right-handed hitter with power, hitting 27 home runs in 2024 and 17 in 121 games last season.
- The Strategy: Trading an outfielder for one of these players could make sense for both teams.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Red Sox's options are limited, and the cost of acquiring any of these players could be high. What do you think? Which of these options is the best fit for the Red Sox? Could they make a surprising move? Share your thoughts in the comments!
