It’s been an interesting offseason for the Boston Red Sox. After missing out on Alex Bregman, Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, and others to sign Ranger Suarez, it’s been a rollercoaster for the Red Sox. However, they seem to be on the right path to salvage what’s been a more trade-heavy offseason ahead of the 2026 season. Even with the trades and the Suarez signing, there is still a belief that the Red Sox still need to do more.
What did an ESPN insider say about the Red Sox and how they need to make another move or two before the start of Spring Training?
Jeff Passan’s Thoughts on the Red Sox
Boston Red Sox: Fenway Park
After the Red Sox signed Suarez to his five-year, $130 million contract, there seemed to be a sense of relief that they could sign a free agent. So far this offseason, they missed out on a few players, even dating back to Max Fried and Juan Soto before the 2025 season. However, now that they signed Suarez, they could be getting back into a groove when it comes to free agents.
ESPN Insider Jeff Passan noted that Boston, despite the lack of free agent signings, still had a productive offseason. In his latest piece, when discussing offseason winners and losers, he left some thoughts on the Red Sox after the Suarez signing. “It’s not as if the Red Sox had been entirely stagnant. They did get Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo via trade. And while the Suárez signing might have moved them out of the need-to-make-a-move category, they’ve still got one more maneuver to turn this into a winner of a winter.”
Passan goes on to mention that a couple of pivot moves could involve a trade for the Chicago Cubs’ Nico Hoerner or Matt Shaw, or even the Houston Astros‘ Isaac Paredes. Even with those players mentioned, he goes on to say, “…Do the Red Sox have enough talent? Suárez brings them closer. And it allows them to dip into their well of pitching to get another bat via trade if Bichette opts to go elsewhere. The Red Sox, built around Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet, can win a World Series. The ultimate question: Is owner John Henry willing to do what it takes?”
When it comes down to it, the Red Sox still need to make a move for an infielder. In terms of Marcelo Mayer, whoever they bring in at either second or third base, he will more than likely be starting at the opposite position of who Boston brings in. The question is, do they bring in Shaw or Hoerner from the Cubs, or Parades of the Astros?
Decisions, Decisions…
In terms of Hoerner, in 2025, he finished with 178 hits (career high), 29 doubles, four triples, seven home runs, 61 RBIs, 29 stolen bases, 39 walks, 49 strikeouts, and a .297 average. In 156 games, Hoerner slashed .345/.394/.739 with a 114 OPS+ (career high), and a 6.2 wins above replacement (WAR). He won’t hit a ton of home runs, but he has elite defense, can get on base, use his speed to steal a lot of bases, and is right-handed. Manager Alex Cora mentioned how the Red Sox are too left-handed heavy. Bringing in someone like Hoerner could be a way to go. It comes down to what the ask is for him from the Cubs, and if they’re willing to move him.
Regarding Shaw, he is being viewed as the odd man out compared to Hoerner. Shaw is 24 years old, a right-handed bat, and could play either second or third base. During the 2025 season, he played in 129 games, tallying 89 hits, 21 doubles, 13 home runs, 44 RBIs, 17 stolen bases, 38 walks, 94 strikeouts, and had a 3.1 WAR. He had a .226 average with a slash line of .295/.394/.690 and a 98 OPS+. In terms of Shaw, he strikes out a lot and doesn’t get on base as much as Hoerner. Out of the two Cubs infielders, the better option would be Hoerner.
In terms of Parades, it’ll be interesting to see if the Astros are willing to move him. He can play second and third base like Shaw, but has better numbers. The 26-year-old is a right-handed bat as well and has solid pop. In 2025, Parades finished with 96 hits, 15 doubles, 20 home runs, 53 RBIs, 50 walks, 76 strikeouts, and had a 2.3 WAR. He had a .254 average with a slash line of .352/.458/.809 and a 123 OPS+. If the asking price isn’t too bad and the Astros are willing to move him, Parades could be a solid option for the Red Sox.
If there were two players to pick out of the three, it should be Hoerner first, then Parades. Either way, both players are solid options if they are on the table for a trade. As Passan stated, the Red Sox are one move away from having a winning winter. However, are they willing to pull the trigger to get it done?
Red Sox Need One More Move, According to ESPN Insider