The Boston Red Sox gave the impression that they would attempt one last big move, but it hasn’t materialized because the involved parties haven’t budged.
The team that currently wants to challenge the division giants in the American League East-such as the New York Yankees or the Toronto Blue Jays-could still sign Eugenio Suárez in free agency, attempt a trade for Nico Hoerner, or alternatively pursue Mexican infielder Isaac Paredes.
The reality is that Boston doesn’t want to open the wallet and might be more interested in making a trade, although there are obstacles with both Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros. More details about these conversations have already emerged from an insider.
The Red Sox’s bad luck
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Boston has had contact with the Chicago Cubs regarding Nico Hoerner, but it’s very unlikely the Gold Glove winner will be traded.
“The Red Sox could go with youngsters Marcelo Mayer at 3B and a combo of Romy Gonzalez and David Hamilton at 2B,” wrote Heyman. “They’ve talked about star Cubs 2B Nico Hoerner, but the Cubs are understandably likely to keep him. The Sox also talked to the Astros about Isaac Paredes, whose swing would fit Fenway Park.”
On the other hand, information regarding Isaac Paredes is far less concrete, although it’s known in Houston that they are interested in Wilyer Abreu-a piece that Boston would actually be willing to part with.
For their part, the Cubs would demand top prospects such as Connelly Early or Payton Tolle as the foundation of any deal, and giving up a promising left-handed pitcher just for one year of control on a position player seems like an excessive price.
Both Nico Hoerner and Isaac Paredes fit the Red Sox from a baseball standpoint, but the current MLB trade market context and each club’s demands make a balanced agreement difficult. Even so, the door remains open, and Boston could still surprise between now and Opening Day… or even after it.
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