Red Sox Target Defensive Second Baseman to Strengthen Infield

The Boston Red Sox entered the offseason with big ambitions. After missing out on star third baseman Alex Bregman, the team quickly changed course.

This article looks at how Boston reshaped its plans—strengthening pitching, sorting out its infield, and working around payroll limits that could affect the rest of the winter.

Red Sox Double Down on Pitching and Run Prevention

Once Bregman signed elsewhere, the Red Sox didn’t waste time sulking. They went out and grabbed left-hander Ranger Suárez, adding him to what’s suddenly one of the deeper rotations in the American League.

This move really highlights the philosophy under chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Breslow’s making it clear: Boston’s identity this season will center on pitching depth and keeping runs off the board.

With Suárez now in the mix, the Red Sox can put together a rotation that offers durability, strikeouts, and plenty of matchup options. That’s pretty much what you want in today’s game, right?

Breslow Leaves the Door Open

Breslow wouldn’t confirm any other moves, but he did say teams have already reached out about Boston’s pitching depth. Offseason markets shift fast—what looks set today can flip tomorrow.

Infield Priorities: Defense Comes First

Inside the organization, the Red Sox seem content—at least for now—with Marcelo Mayer playing third base instead of second. That matches their long-term plans, though Breslow admitted things could change if the right opportunity pops up at third.

Boston’s not budging on its focus on defense. If they add an infielder, they’ll want glove work, range, and reliability, especially at second base. A strong defender feels like the perfect fit for a pitching-heavy roster.

Why Eugenio Suárez Is a Complicated Fit

On paper, Eugenio Suárez looks tempting. He just blasted 49 homers last season, and any lineup would take that.

But defense is a big deal for Boston right now, and Suárez struggled in the field last year. Even with all that power, his profile doesn’t really match what the Red Sox need at the moment.

Potential Trade Targets That Make Sense

If Boston goes looking outside, a few names jump out. Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner leads the list.

• He’s got an elite defensive reputation at second base.
• He’s in the final year of a $12 million contract.
• He brings strong contact skills and real baserunning value.

The problem? Chicago would almost definitely want MLB-ready pitching back, and that price could stretch Boston’s depth.

Brendan Donovan: Versatility Over Flash

The Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan is another interesting name. He’s a lefty bat with versatility and two years of team control, checking a lot of boxes for Boston.

Still, his defense isn’t quite at Hoerner’s level, which might make the Red Sox hesitate if they’re dead set on top-tier glove work.

Payroll Reality Shapes the Rest of the Offseason

Money’s a big factor here. Boston’s cash payroll is around $197 million, and the luxury tax number sits at about $265 million, putting them in the second penalty tier.

If they add another $20 million or so, the Red Sox would face bigger tax penalties and even lose ten spots on their top draft pick. That’s probably enough to cool off any big spending plans, even if there’s technically some room left.

What It All Means for Boston

The Red Sox have made their priorities clear: pitching, defense, and flexibility. Missing out on Bregman didn’t really throw them off—it just nudged them in a slightly different direction.

Boston looks determined to build a roster that wins with strong arms, reliable gloves, and smart choices. They seem less interested in flashy signings and more focused on putting the right pieces together, even if it means making smaller, calculated moves.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox Seeking Second Baseman, Prefer Strong Defenders