Red Sox Pursue Infield Help, Exploring Trades and Free Agents

The Boston Red Sox already made a splash by acquiring Willson Contreras. But the front office isn’t done yet this offseason.

The club is still looking for another impactful right-handed bat to boost its infield. They’re weighing free-agent options against possible trades, hoping to find the right fit without blowing up their prospect pool or payroll flexibility.

Boston’s October hopes push every decision. They’re juggling positional needs, contract length, and what they’d have to give up in prospects as they scan the market.

Red Sox Still Hunting for Infield Firepower

Even after landing Contreras, the Red Sox think there’s room to upgrade the infield. Their top priority is clear: bring in a proven hitter who can handle lefties and add some punch to the middle of the order.

The front office wants someone who brings power, sure, but also defensive reliability and flexibility. They’re not just looking for a one-dimensional slugger.

This search has pulled Boston into both the free-agent pool and the trade market. There are some intriguing names out there, but every option comes with its own quirks and headaches.

Alex Bregman: Familiar Fit, Contract Concerns

Alex Bregman feels like a natural fit for Boston’s wishlist. His recent season in a Red Sox uniform went well, and he proved he can still handle third base with confidence.

The snag? Bregman wants a long-term deal. Boston usually avoids big commitments for players over 30, so meeting his demands would mean changing their usual approach. There’s interest on both sides, but the gap in contract years and money is a real hurdle.

Bo Bichette: Elite Bat, Awkward Fit

Bo Bichette might be the top free-agent infielder this year. He just put up a strong .311/.357/.483 season in Toronto, and his bat is legit—high contact, real power, the whole package.

But defense is a question mark. Bichette could move to third base, but it’s not his natural spot. Compared to Bregman, his fit in Boston’s infield feels a bit forced, which might make the Red Sox hesitate.

Exploring the Trade Market

Free agency isn’t Boston’s only route. The trade market offers controllable talent, sometimes at a better long-term price, though the prospect cost can sting.

Several interesting trade targets have caught Boston’s eye.

Ketel Marte: Star Power with a Steep Price

Ketel Marte isn’t officially on the block, but that hasn’t stopped teams—Boston included—from checking in with Arizona. After two excellent seasons, Marte stands out as one of the most desirable infielders in baseball.

He’s still got a relatively friendly $102.5 million left on his contract. The catch? Boston would probably have to part with elite prospects and young pitching, which might be a dealbreaker for a club trying to keep its depth intact.

Brendan Donovan: Versatility and On-Base Skill

Brendan Donovan has become a popular trade target, mostly because he can play just about anywhere in the infield or outfield. He’s under team control for two more years, has a career 119 wRC+, and has put up 6.0 fWAR over the last two seasons.

Still, Donovan bats left-handed, so he doesn’t quite balance Boston’s lineup. Plus, with plenty of teams interested, his price could climb fast.

Isaac Paredes: The Pragmatic Option

Isaac Paredes might be the most attainable target. He’s a solid offensive third baseman, controllable for two more seasons, and could become available if Houston decides it needs pitching.

For Boston, Paredes checks a lot of boxes without costing the farm. He looks like a realistic middle-ground move that wouldn’t gut the system.

Balancing Present Needs and Future Assets

As the offseason rolls on, Boston’s decision-makers face a challenge they know all too well. They have to juggle the urge to win now with the need to stay competitive years down the line.

Every conversation means picking apart contract length, positional needs, and what they might get back in prospects. It’s a balancing act that’s never easy—and honestly, it can get a little messy.

Whether it’s a massive trade or just a sneaky-smart pickup, the Red Sox aren’t likely to sit on their hands. They clearly want a better infield, and whatever they do next could ripple into 2025 and maybe even further.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox Continuing To Pursue Infield Help