The Boston Red Sox are still looking for infielders, and the options are running low. Eugenio Suarez signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Then, on Monday, the St. Louis Cardinals traded Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners in a three-way trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Red Sox CBO Craig Breslow can easily make a trade, as he's done with the likes of Sonny Gray, Johan Oviedo, Willson Contreras, among others. It's something that needs to happen soon, before teams change their minds. Mainly, the two best players that Breslow can get are in a trade, and they're both on the Chicago Cubs.
Nico Hoerner
Hoerner has been one of the more beloved second basemen in the game today. Since his debut in 2019 with Chicago, he's been one of the best defensive gloves, winning the Gold Glove twice in 2023 and just this past season in 2025. The Red Sox made it public that they're looking for defense, and Hoerner fits right into the picture.
Just last year, he led all of baseball with 17 defensive runs saved, ahead of Xavier Edwards of the Miami Marlins, who had 12. He also had 14 Outs Above Average (OAA) at second base, leading all second basemen in that category, as well, with 10 total runs prevented on his behalf.
As for his offense, Hoerner rarely strikes out, being sent back to the dugout only 39 times during 2025. During his six-year career, the second baseman never recorded more than 83 strikeouts in a single season. He's a fun player to watch, but besides him, there's a young buck waiting to develop in a full season and could be a perfect match for the Red Sox.
Matt Shaw
Out of all the best third basemen in the game, such as Manny Machado, Nolan Arenado, Ke'Bryan Hayes, and Matt Chapman, Matt Shaw is one of those guys in some areas.
Shaw ranked fifth overall among third basemen in total putouts in 2025 with 80, only behind Caleb Durbin's 84, Chapman's 93, Hayes' 100, and Machado's 117. He also ranked third in Defensive Runs Saved with 12, trailing only Maikel Garcia with 13 and Ke'Bryan Hayes with 19. While his OAA is at -1, it just grades his range, and he's pretty average around there for a third baseman.
However, let's get something straight. Matt Shaw is a natural middle infielder, not a third baseman. With Hoerner at second and Swanson at shortstop, the Cubs had no choice but to put him at third, where he first struggled. However, after being sent down to AAA Iowa, he lit up third base, making up for his lack of range. If the Red Sox acquire him, he would move to second and put Marcelo Mayer at third, which is a better fit for his skills, and could win the Gold Glove if things turn out right.
Fun Fact: Matt Shaw is a 5'10, 185 lbs player, just like his mentor, Dustin Pedroia. Why was he his idol growing up? That's because Matt Shaw grew up in Massachusetts as a huge Red Sox fan. That's right, and if the Red Sox get Shaw, not only would he have a great homecoming with his family in attendance, but Shaw would become a fan favorite, with his jerseys selling until the team shop closes its doors.
Regardless of whether there are questions about his character or constant mechanical changes, having a homegrown kid play the dream scenario will ease Shaw's tension.
Conclusion
Both players are fit for the second base role, and both can make a considerable impact in the field and potentially in the lineup as well.
Although if Breslow is smart, he should go with Shaw, the one nicknamed the "Night Agent". Shaw is a younger, controllable, and worthy player that the Red Sox should pounce on quickly.
Time is running out for them, and it may mean Romy Gonzalez will start at second base, keeping the lineup the same as last year ended. If that happens, Red Sox fans will have more ammo to campaign for Breslow's possible firing.