Red Sox Infield Future: Options, Trades, and Offseason Moves

The Boston Red Sox came into the offseason determined to strengthen a roster that just didn’t deliver last year. But missing out on Alex Bregman changed everything. Suddenly, there’s a big hole in the infield, and the front office has to get creative as Opening Day creeps closer.

When Alex Bregman agreed to a five-year, $175 million deal with the Cubs, Red Sox fans felt the sting. Boston tried to match that offer—at least, they got close—but it wasn’t enough. Now, third base looks like a problem that still needs fixing.

Bregman brought more than just offense. He was that steady, playoff-tested guy you want in the infield. Letting him slip away tightened Boston’s options in an already tough market.

The Red Sox did act fast to grab lefty Ranger Suárez on a five-year, $130 million deal. That move locks down the rotation and gives them a reliable arm. Still, it doesn’t solve the infield mess staring them in the face.

Right now, Trevor Story is the only proven veteran infielder. But let’s be honest—there are reasons to worry. Story turns 33 this year and only played 100 games last season. Can he stay on the field?

Top prospects bring some hope, but also plenty of doubt. Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell didn’t have great seasons, and injuries plus unclear roles make it hard to count on them right away.

Ceddanne Rafaela has played second base before, but his glove might be even more valuable in center field. Moving him to the infield would help one spot, but could really weaken another. That’s a tough call.

The Red Sox might be a big-market team, but they’re feeling the squeeze. Their luxury-tax payroll is around $266 million, which is up there with the biggest spenders. That kind of number makes it tough to just throw money at the problem.

To make things trickier, the free-agent market dried up fast. Bregman’s gone, Bo Bichette too, and it’s not clear if Boston even wants Eugenio Suárez. Free agency doesn’t look like a real solution anymore.

If the Sox want a real infield upgrade, trading seems like the best shot. Luckily, they’ve got extra pitching and outfielders to offer. That could make some teams pick up the phone.

Some young pitchers who could be on the move:

Trade rumors have linked Boston to a few interesting infielders. Brendan Donovan, Nico Hoerner, and Matt Shaw all seem like good fits, but it’s unclear if any are actually available.

Isaac Paredes is maybe the most exciting name. His right-handed power would play great at Fenway, but the Astros don’t seem eager to let him go. That one feels like a long shot, honestly.

If nothing big comes together, the Sox might settle for a veteran stopgap. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Yoan Moncada, or Ramón Urías could hold down the fort and buy the prospects some time.

The Likely Outcome

Boston doesn’t have many free-agent choices, and most trade partners aren’t eager to give up top talent. Because of that, the Red Sox might end up relying a lot on what they’ve already got.

If the front office can’t pull off a big move before Opening Day, the 2026 team could start the season feeling defined more by what’s missing than by what’s there. It’s not the most exciting outlook, but hey—sometimes that’s just how it goes.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Poll: What’s Next For The Red Sox Infield?