Jon Heyman Links Red Sox to Three Infield Trade Targets

The Boston Red Sox are heading into a pretty important roster-evaluation stretch. They’re trying to fix one of the most stubborn problems they’ve had lately: infield defense.

Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow hasn’t been shy about what the team needs. With trade rumors already swirling, Boston seems ready to poke around the market for an infielder who can steady the middle of the diamond. Reports point to three main names—each with their own mix of offense, defense, and flexibility.

Red Sox Zero In on Infield Defense

The Red Sox have made strides elsewhere, but infield defense just keeps tripping them up. Breslow has admitted it: Boston’s outfield defense is among the league’s best, but too many infield mistakes have dragged down their pitching and cost them games.

Now, reducing errors and shoring up the middle infield is front and center. That’s why the club’s reportedly “talking trade” for an infielder, focusing on glove-first guys instead of just chasing bats.

Trade Market Targets Emerge

Veteran MLB insider Jon Heyman has linked Boston to three potential trade targets: Nico Hoerner, Isaac Paredes, and Brendan Donovan. Each one offers a different solution, so Boston has to weigh just how much offense they’re willing to trade away for better defense.

Nico Hoerner: The Elite Defender

If defense is the mission, Nico Hoerner makes the most sense. The 28-year-old Cubs infielder is known as one of baseball’s best defenders, with Gold Gloves in 2023 and 2025.

His range and instincts up the middle would help Boston right away. With Chicago adding Alex Bregman, Hoerner might be more available now. Sure, his bat isn’t the flashiest, but his defense and athleticism fit what Breslow wants.

Isaac Paredes: Offense Comes First

Isaac Paredes brings something different: real offensive punch. At 26, he’s already made back-to-back All-Star teams in 2024 and 2025 and has a solid .245/.348/.420 slash line.

The problem? Defense. Paredes has put up some ugly defensive numbers, which makes you wonder if he’s the right fit for a team trying to tighten up the infield. His bat would definitely help, but it might not match Boston’s current focus on defense.

Brendan Donovan: Versatility and Value

Brendan Donovan could be the most sensible option. The 29-year-old Cardinals infielder is a true super-utility guy, with a Gold Glove from 2022 and the ability to handle multiple spots at a high level.

He’s not going to hit a ton of homers, but he gets on base and can play all over the field. Plus, with the Red Sox and Cardinals having traded recently, maybe that makes a deal easier.

What Boston Is Willing to Trade

Breslow’s said Boston’s ready to deal from areas where they’ve got extras. That could mean:

Any move Boston makes will probably depend on how much it actually improves the infield defense, especially at those key spots.

A Decision Still Looms

Boston’s front office hasn’t decided on a trade yet. Honestly, it’s anyone’s guess if they’ll pull the trigger this time.

What’s obvious, though, is that the Red Sox want better defense. They seem willing to skip a stronger bat if it means tightening up the infield.

Hoerner, Paredes, and Donovan all offer something different. Breslow’s choice will say a lot about how serious they are about changing the team’s vibe.

After years of shuffling the infield, Boston just can’t keep waiting around. Enough is enough.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Jon Heyman Ties Red Sox To Three Different Infield Trade Targets