Craig Breslow Targets Infielder to Complete Red Sox Roster

This article takes a closer look at the Boston Red Sox’s ongoing scramble to shore up their infield before spring training. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has shifted gears, eyeing the trade market after missing out on free agent Eugenio Suárez.

We’ll poke around at the potential targets, the headaches involved, and the thinking behind Boston’s push for a key roster upgrade.

The Infield Conundrum: Red Sox Shift Gears Post-Suárez

The Boston Red Sox are back in a familiar January scramble, but this time with a new leader calling the shots. Eugenio Suárez surprised a lot of folks by signing with the Cincinnati Reds, which threw a wrench into Breslow’s plan for locking down third base and forced the team to rethink its options fast.

A Clear Preference for Mayer and the Hunt for Second Base

Despite all the chatter about landing a third baseman, there’s a strong sense inside the organization that Marcelo Mayer is their guy for the future at the hot corner. That belief is shaping Boston’s whole approach, nudging their infield search away from third and toward second base—a spot that’d fit nicely with Mayer’s eventual jump to the majors.

Trade Market Hot Stove: Exploring Key Targets

The free-agent market for infielders has mostly dried up, so Breslow’s focus has landed squarely on trade possibilities. Pitchers and catchers report in just over a week, which means every conversation feels a little more urgent than usual.

Ketel Marte: A Silver Slugger with Contractual Considerations

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte keeps coming up as a possible match. He’s got a Silver Slugger at second base, some pop at the plate, and holds his own defensively. But the Diamondbacks don’t seem eager to move him in January, and Marte’s about to hit 10 years of service time, which gives him trade veto rights early in 2026. Plus, he’s owed $15 million next year, which complicates things.

Brendan Donovan: Versatility and OBP, but High Asking Price

St. Louis Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan is another name getting tossed around. He’s got defensive flexibility and a career .361 on-base percentage, which checks a lot of boxes for what the Red Sox want—contact and defense. The problem? The Cardinals want multiple top prospects, which feels like a lot, though some execs think that price could drop as Opening Day gets closer.

Strategic Priorities: Defense, Contact, and Hidden Gems

Breslow and the front office seem laser-focused on a certain player type—guys who can really pick it in the field and make consistent contact at the plate. That’s the lens they’re using as they sift through trade options, even if it means looking past the biggest names.

Beyond the Headline Names: Other Potential Infield Targets

While Marte and Donovan have grabbed plenty of headlines, the Red Sox seem to be looking beyond just those two. They’ve reportedly cast a wider net.

Players like Isaac Paredes could be on their radar. He’s got some real power and can handle multiple spots in the infield.

There’s also Nico Hoerner, who stands out for his glove. And let’s not forget Matt Shaw, a recent draft pick with a lot of upside.

With spring training just around the corner, Breslow and his team really don’t have much time left to lock in an impact addition.

 
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