As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Boston Red Sox have actively pursued trades to strengthen their roster, acquiring players like Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras so far this offseason. Despite also signing free agent pitcher Ranger Suárez, the main improvements to the team appear likely to come through additional trades, with third baseman Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros emerging as a primary target.
On February 7, Chandler Rome of The Athletic disclosed in a Crush City Territory video that the pursuit of Paredes has grown more vigorous, with up to five teams displaying aggressive interest, including the Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates.
There are two that I’ll be willing to share, but I want to stress that just because I say these two, it doesn’t mean that it’s going to get done with these two teams,
Rome said.
They’ve got other teams interested. They’ve already made one three‑team deal this winter. Maybe another team comes in to help one of these five teams that are interested to get it done. But suffice to say, it’s not just these two teams, but the Boston Red Sox, as we know, they remain interested in Paredes. And then, according to people I’ve talked to, the Pittsburgh Pirates have also picked up.
Paredes Considered the Primary Player Houston Is Willing to Trade
Reports indicate that Isaac Paredes might be the lone key player the Astros are prepared to trade, which could work in Boston’s favor as negotiations intensify. Rome highlighted the recent momentum in discussions surrounding Paredes, emphasizing his prominence among all trade talks.
I can tell you, in conversations within the last 48 to 72 hours, as the talks have intensified, there appears to be some pretty direct motivation, and it appears to be now that things are gaining some momentum,
Rome noted.
I have only heard Isaac Paredes being talked about as among those what they’re gaining momentum in. He is the guy that I keep hearing is the one that is being sought after the most. I’ve heard as many as five teams have shown legitimate and aggressive interest in Isaac Paredes.
Additional Trade Options Suggested to Strengthen the Red Sox Lineup
While attention is focused on Paredes, former MLB general manager Steve Phillips has urged Boston to explore other trade opportunities, recommending that the team pursue shortstop and second baseman CJ Abrams from the Washington Nationals. Abrams appears to be available via trade and could fill key infield roles.
The Red Sox need to pivot, call the Washington Nationals, Paul Toboni, who left Boston, and go get CJ Abrams to play second base,
Phillips stated in a February 3 MLB Network Radio video.
That’s the move for the Boston Red Sox. He’ll be a great second baseman. He’s a bad shortstop. He’ll be a very good second baseman. That’s the move they need to make right now.
Phillips noted that after Boston missed out on Alex Bregman, who moved to the Chicago Cubs following one season with the Red Sox, Abrams stands out as a valuable alternative for the team’s infield.
[The Red Sox] were in on Bregman,
Phillips added.
They were in on [Bo] Bichette [and] were in on Eugenio [Suárez]. They were in on [Nolan] Arenado [and] were in on [Brendan] Donovan. Didn’t get any of them. Now go get C.J. Abrams; play him at second base. You’ve got protection if you need it at shortstop.
That’s where I go next. You’ve got a connection there like Chaim Bloom has had with the Red Sox. Toboni has that relationship with the Red Sox, too. He knows who he likes, what he wants. I think relationships matter in these deals, and I think that’s the next pivot for Boston.
Implications for the Red Sox Heading Into Spring Training
The trade interest centered on Isaac Paredes represents a critical opportunity for Boston to reinforce its infield and overall lineup for the upcoming MLB season. With multiple teams pursuing Paredes, the Red Sox face stiff competition but also appear motivated to make a significant acquisition. Meanwhile, exploring other options like CJ Abrams underscores Boston’s intent to remain flexible in assembling a competitive squad.
Given the recent activity and urgency in talks, the Red Sox’s decisions in the coming weeks could shape their roster depth and balance as spring training approaches. Successfully acquiring Paredes or Abrams would mark a pivotal reinforcement after earlier offseason moves highlighted by the additions of Gray, Contreras, and Suárez. How the front office navigates these trade negotiations will be closely watched as the team aims to improve on previous seasons and contend in a competitive American League.
Talks for Isaac Paredes have intensified, says @Chandler_Rome.
As many as five teams have shown aggressive interest, including the Red Sox and Pirates. pic.twitter.com/U7dekg4ZFF
— Crush City Territory (@Crush_City_Pod) February 7, 2026
"PIVOT!" – @StevePhillipsGM to the @RedSox (probably).
🔗 https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/Irqx63Smj2
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 3, 2026
