The Boston Red Sox have been among MLB’s most active teams in terms of making trades, and they could have more in store before Opening Day, which is just over a month away. Reports indicate Boston wants to add another left-handed bullpen option before the beginning of the 2026 season, but the Red Sox could also add to their infield group.
Chicago Cubs‘ infielder Nico Hoerner has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason, and the Red Sox have recently been floated as a trade destination by Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer. Rymer outlines one trade all 30 MLB teams can make before Opening Day.
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Should the Red Sox Trade for Nico Hoerner?
Here is the reasoning Rymer gives for the Red Sox being a good trade partner for the Chicago Cubs and Nico Hoerner:
“Boston Red Sox: Nico Hoerner from Chicago Cubs”
“The Red Sox were actually linked to Paredes here and there at points during the offseason, but their trade for Caleb Durbin solidified their preference for run prevention over power. If they’re going to lean even further into it, Hoerner should be their next target. He’s a two-time Gold Glover at second base, where his arrival would give Boston plus defenders at three out of four infield spots.”
GettyChicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner
Adding Durbin gives the Red Sox an added layer of depth on the infield, but with Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer still unproven as MLB players.
Hoerner has never hit more than 10 home runs in a season in his career, but his value can not be undermined, as in 2025, he posted a bWAR of 6.2, and is a nearly 20 “wins above replacement” player over the last four seasons, according to BaseballReference.com.
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Will the Red Sox Make Another Trade this Offseason?
There is still more than a month to go before MLB Opening Day, which gives the Red Sox a lot of time to pull this deal off.
As for what it may take for Boston to pull this off, Kristian Campbell or Marcelo Mayer might have to be the centerpiece of a deal, and starters like Patrick Sandoval or Kutter Crawford could also get a deal done.
As for Nico Hoerner, he might be an expendable member of the Cubs’ roster, as Chicago has a new wealth of offensive firepower.
If the Red Sox are serious about keeping up in the AL East, adding Nico Hoerner could be a good way to cap off an already productive offseason.
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