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The Boston Red Sox fell short of their overall goal to win the World Series in 2025, and now the front office has been active in searching for ways to improve the roster going forward. Boston has already upgraded the starting rotation, trading for former ace Sonny Gray to help bolster the unit.
*PREDICTION*
However, if the Red Sox want to truly make a run this year, the team will need a little more firepower added to the roster. Boston has a nice core on the team already, but with the number of powerful teams in the American League, this unit may need more upgrades.
The Red Sox are currently dealing with the ongoing free agency of star infielder Alex Bregman, and his return to the roster remains unknown at this point. Boston has reportedly been working hard to keep Bregman around, but other teams are looking to swoop in to steal him away from the organization.
Nobody knows how Boston plans to fully upgrade, but we are still early enough into the offseason. But how the front office plays this offseason will determine the overall ceiling of the Red Sox in 2026.
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Boston Red Sox Make Trade For Nico Hoerner
One name that Boston could look to go after this winter is infielder Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs. Boston has reportedly been searching for anotehr infielder this offseason, even if they were to retain Bregman.
Hoerner has been placed on the trade block this offseason, and it seems like the Cubs are intent on trading him away. The veteran had a solid 2025 season, but with all the talent that Chicago has, he could be on the chopping block.
For the year, Hoerner hit .297 with seven home runs and 61 runs batted in, while also stealing 29 bases for the season. Hoerner could fit in well with the Red Sox lineup, helping to give them more power from the right side.
Even if Hoerner isn’t the biggest power threat, he could still give them better hitting from the right side of the plate, something that the team was missing a year ago. Boston wouldn’t need him to hit 20 home runs in a season, but rather stay consistent throughout the year, and do what he can to drive runs in.
Hoerner could easily slide into this lineup and provide this team with some real depth throughout the year. Playing at Fenway Park with the Green Monster could see him become a doubles machine, which could massively impact this offensive attack.
The veteran is also good defensively, and the Red Sox could use his glove on the field. Overall, a trade for Hoerner could be the missing piece for Boston, and if the front office sees him in this light, they should do what it takes to bring him to Bean Town.