The Arizona Diamondbacks are seeking to fill the gap left by Blaze Alexander following his trade to the Baltimore Orioles earlier this month. RHP Kade Strowd, RHP Wellington Aracena, and infielder José Mejía came to the Diamondbacks as part of that multi-player deal, but Arizona still needs a versatile infielder to replace Alexander’s presence at second and third base.
Utility player Luis Rengifo has emerged as a strong candidate to fill this role, according to MLB insider John Gambadoro. Rengifo is capable of playing multiple infield positions and offers the added advantage of being a switch-hitter, which would provide flexibility in the lineup.
Although Rengifo had an inconsistent season in 2025, the expectation is that he will sign a one-year contract and rebound. Arizona’s decision on whether to finalize this signing remains pending as the offseason progresses.
Boston Red Sox Seek Offensive Boost Through Prospect Trades
The Boston Red Sox continue to explore options to fortify their lineup after significant departures last year, including Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers. Bregman left Boston by opting out of his three-year, $120 million contract, signing instead with the Chicago Cubs on a five-year deal. Devers was traded to the San Francisco Giants prior to last season’s trade deadline.
MLB insider Tyler Milliken has reported that the Red Sox are open to trading a promising prospect to acquire a powerful bat but are unlikely to part with outfielder Jarren Duran. One proposed trade scenario involves Boston sending outfielder Wilyer Abreu to the New York Mets in exchange for third baseman Brett Baty. This move would provide the Red Sox with a right-handed hitter who has multi-year contractual control and the potential to strengthen their lineup.
Context on Recent Trade Movements and Team Strategies
The Diamondbacks’ pursuit of Luis Rengifo reflects their priority to maintain infield depth and offensive versatility after the Alexander trade. With Rengifo’s ability to cover multiple positions, Arizona aims to stabilize its roster during this transitional phase.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox’s involvement in prospect trades signals a continued effort to rebuild their offense after notable departures. By targeting players like Brett Baty, Boston seeks to balance youth and experience, potentially positioning themselves for a stronger competitive campaign.
Implications for the 2026 MLB Season and Beyond
Should the Diamondbacks sign Rengifo, they could mitigate the impact of losing Blaze Alexander and keep their infield lineup adaptable. This move might also allow Arizona to focus on developing other prospects or reinforcing different positions.
For the Red Sox, acquiring an impactful bat through prospects could signal an aggressive approach to returning to contention. Decisions made during this offseason will shape their roster dynamics and competitive outlook in the near term.
Per @Gambo987, the #Dbacks will be looking for a 2B/3B to fill in the Blaze Alexander void.
A perfect fit? Utilityman Luis Rengifo.
He is capable of playing 2B/3B/SS/OF. And he's a switch-hitter. 👀 pic.twitter.com/FC40WdMM0p
— SleeperDiamondbacks (@SleeperDbacks) February 6, 2026
According to several sources, the Red Sox are still trying to make a prospect-based trade for a legit bat, per @PeteAbe.
Doesn’t sound like a Jarren Duran flip or anything like that… pic.twitter.com/lJqVDQw1PQ
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) February 6, 2026
