With free agency still looming large, the Boston Red Sox can make quick fixes to their lineup and bullpen by adding depth. Especially when trying to get an infielder, there are still options for that in free agency. The biggest names that match these needs are infielder Luis Arraez, left-handed veteran reliever Andrew Chafin, and veteran Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez.
1. Luis Arraez
As for Arraez, he's one of the best contact hitters of the game today. In more ways than one, it's an atrocity that he isn't on a contending team's roster yet. He was competing for a .400 batting average just three years ago and rarely strikes out. For a Red Sox lineup that had five players record over 100 strikeouts in 2025, and potentially more if Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer had played a full season, Arraez's 21 strikeouts (that's it, just 21 strikeouts all season) would balance that lineup. Along with that, Arraez has a career batting average of .317, the best average of any active MLB player.
It just goes to show how much the art of contact hitters has truly been lost...
2. Andrew Chafin
As left-handers are concerned, Chafin is the better one on the market. Not only does he have a great player personality that relates well with the fans, but Chafin is a very serviceable veteran. This is shown by bouncing around teams such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, and the Los Angeles Angels.
Throughout, he's posted a career ERA of 3.35 with 591 total strikeouts and a 127 ERA+. During his age-35 season this past year, he posted a 2.41 ERA in 42 games, along with 36 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings of work. While his fastballs (four-seamer and sinker) only average 89 mph these days, his slider is one of the better ones in baseball, with batters hitting only .161 against it. For a Red Sox pitching staff that transforms pitchers back into their prime, especially at an older age, it's perfect for both parties.
3. Christian Vazquez
As for Vazquez, there's no need to say anything. He checks all the boxes that Boston would need, especially as a former player of the team. He can take on a backup role and be a major influence on Carlos Narvaez and other players in the locker room. Players who were with him before he was traded, like Jarren Duran, Trevor Story, and Garrett Whitlock, can vouch for him as well.
While Connor Wong is their de facto backup catcher, he could very well be sent back down to AAA if they sign Vazquez. He would still be a better player than Wong at that, especially behind the plate.
Conclusion
These names aren't needle-movers by any means. However, the Red Sox need a second baseman to finalize the 2026 roster and are looking to trade for one by moving some of the endless pitching depth they accumulated this offseason. If trading for one doesn't pan out, they may need to look into free agency.
Boston's bigger need is a left-handed bullpen arm, as Brennan Bernardino, Chris Murphy, and Justin Wilson are no longer with the team. As for catching depth, Vazquez, while not being the hitting catcher he once was, can still do a job as a backup behind the plate. Along with that, he brings veteran presence to a locker room filled with future stars and young padawans.
Regardless of what direction the Red Sox go, it has to end with these three unchecked boxes finally being marked off.