The Boston Red Sox concluded a competitive 2025 season by securing a playoff berth via the wild card with an 89-73 record, finishing third in the AL East. Looking to strengthen their roster, particularly their infield, the Red Sox faced challenges during the offseason after missing out on key free agents, including Bo Bichette, the primary Bo Bichette trade target.
While Boston improved its starting rotation by adding Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray, securing top-tier infield talent proved more difficult. The organization prioritized re-signing veteran third baseman Alex Bregman but ultimately lost him to the Chicago Cubs. Shortly afterward, Bo Bichette chose to sign with the New York Mets. Other potential targets such as Eugenio Suarez, Nolan Arenado, and Brendon Donovan also ended up with different teams, leaving the Red Sox searching for alternatives.
Former Mets GM Recommends Shifting Focus to CJ Abrams for Infield Depth
Steve Phillips, the former general manager of the New York Mets, shared his perspective on MLB Network Radio regarding the Red Sox’s predicament. He suggested that Boston should change course and pursue Washington Nationals prospect CJ Abrams as a viable solution for their infield needs.
“The Red Sox need to pivot. Call the Nationals, call (Washington Nationals president of baseball operations) Paul Toboni, and go get CJ Abrams to play second base. That’s the move for the Boston Red Sox. He’s a bad shortstop, he’ll be a very good second baseman. That’s the move they need to make right now,” Phillips said.
Phillips emphasized that although Abrams is not ideal as a shortstop, his skill set aligns well with second base duties, which could fill the void in Boston’s middle infield.
“They were in on Bregman, they were in on Bichette, they were in on Eugenio, they were in on Arenado, they were in on Donovan, didn’t get any of them. Now, go get CJ Abrams, play him at second base. You’ve got a connection there, like (St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations) Chaim Bloom has with the Red Sox, Toboni’s got that relationship with the Red Sox too. I think relationships matter in these deals, and I think that’s the next pivot for Boston,” he added.
Phillips highlighted the importance of strong front-office relationships in facilitating trades, pointing to the potential goodwill between Red Sox executives and Nationals’ Paul Toboni as a possible advantage in acquiring Abrams.
MLB Insider Suggests Isaac Paredes as a Strong Trade Candidate for Boston
Another prominent voice comes from MLB Network commentator Matt Vasgersian, who recommends targeting Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes. Vasgersian believes Paredes’s hitting profile complements Fenway Park’s dimensions and atmosphere, making him an excellent fit for Boston’s lineup.
“I think they’re going to be just fine. There are multiple paths for them to be better without him next year. This is the option I like best – make a deal for Isaac Paredes,” Vasgersian said on January 13’s episode of ‘Hot Stove.’
He underscored that, despite the Red Sox missing out on other free agents, pursuing Paredes remains a viable opportunity to strengthen the team’s offense.
“Could there be a better ballpark in the universe for Isaac Paredes than Fenway? I would love to see that happen. The Red Sox fans, they would forget all about Alex Bregman if Isaac Paredes was hitting tanks at Fenway,”
Vasgersian added.
Paredes had a notable 2025 season, posting a .254 batting average alongside 20 home runs and 53 RBIs, earning All-Star recognition. His combination of power and contact ability makes him an attractive target as Boston seeks to upgrade its third-base position.
Implications for the Red Sox’s Roster and Future Moves
After coming close to securing elite infielders like Bregman and Bichette, the Red Sox now face uncertainty but also multiple potential directions. Adding a player like CJ Abrams could improve their middle infield defense and athleticism, while pursuing Isaac Paredes may strengthen their offensive production at third base.
The reliance on relationships and front-office connections, as noted by both Steve Phillips and the role of executives like Paul Toboni and Chaim Bloom, may prove pivotal in negotiations this winter. These factors are increasingly crucial as the Red Sox attempt to solidify a roster capable of contending further in the competitive AL East.
With the offseason ongoing, Boston’s final moves in the trade market and free agency will determine whether the team can sustain its postseason presence and address the gaps left after falling short on coveted infield stars. Fans and analysts alike remain anxious to see which direction the Red Sox take as they prepare for the 2026 season.
"PIVOT!" – @StevePhillipsGM to the @RedSox (probably).
🔗 https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/Irqx63Smj2
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 3, 2026
"I think they're going to be just fine."
Matt Vasgersian outlines four potential plans for the Red Sox at third base following Alex Bregman's departure to Chicago. pic.twitter.com/vplRjqRFyK
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 13, 2026
