Alex BregmanThe Cubs’ decision to sign with the Cubs left the Red Sox with some uncertainty among their infield picture, as Bregman’s old second base and third base positions remain unknown heading into Spring Training. High hopes Marcelo Mayer it appears to have been penciled in at one of the two locations, with Mayer possibly playing the third location at the time of collection Romy Gonzalez, Nick Sogardand/or Kristian Campbell it will manage the playing time in the keystone.
New acquisitions can change this picture, along with free agents and trade targets like Isaac Paredes, Brendan Donovanagain Eugenio Suarez stay available. A number of other players remain on Boston’s radar, as Alex Speier of the Boston Globe writes that the Red Sox “aamong the many groups that have explored about” The cubs played in the middle Nico Hoerner again Matt Shaw.
There could be some controversy if a trade comes together between Bregman’s new and former teams, although there is no sense that a deal is imminent between Boston and Chicago. Trade speculation surrounded Hoerner and Shaw even before Bregman arrived in Wrigleyville, with the Yankees, Giants, and Mariners all reportedly showing interest in Hoerner. While the Cubs may at least be open to hearing Hoerner’s offer due to due diligence, however, there aren’t many signs that the team has any real interest in moving the two-time Glover.
The signing of Bregman solidified Chicago’s starting lineup as Bregman at third base, Hoerner at second, Dansby Swanson at shortstop, too Michael Busch in the beginning. Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrongagain Seiya Suzuki they count as three outfielders, and the open DH spot can be a revolving door for a few players to get some off days. This will open up playing time for Shaw or other top prospects Moises Ballesteros again Kevin Alcantaraand give these minors a little more familiar at-bats in the majors without the pressure of a true everyday role on a contending team.
Trading Hoerner or Shaw would immediately change the Cubs’ plans for next season at least, and moving Shaw would have a long-term impact as he just made his MLB debut in 2025. Hoerner is a free agent next winter, and with Bregman now locked in at the hot corner, the thought has been that Shaw could take over for Hoerner as second base. (The Cubs are also looking at Shaw as an outfield option to increase his versatility.)
Even if Hoerner approaches the open market, it will take a lot for the Cubs to part with a proven veteran who is possibly the second best defensive player in baseball, let alone an above-average hitter (106 wRC+) over the past five seasons. It would take a lot more for Chicago to deal with a top prospect like Shaw who comes with a lot of team control, however Boston’s depth could at least make the Cubs take notice. Since Jameson Taillon again Matthew Boyd will also have free agents next season, will bring ia Payton Tolle or a Connelly Early would be an interesting way for the Cubs to strengthen their rotation long term. It’s safe to say that Tolle or Early will be the only ones on the table (if that) for Shaw, as the Sox can’t move either of those arms for one year of Hoerner.
While Shaw hopes for a pedigree that will interest any team, it would be a pivot if the Red Sox traded their top-tier depth for a young infielder, given that Boston (in theory) already has many of the building blocks for a position player in the area. If Mayer can stay healthy and break out as a big player, that provides a ton of stability at third base, second base, or at shortstop if Mayer is ultimately the heir apparent. Trevor’s story. In this sense, bringing in Hoerner as a shortstop for the 2026 season would be a better move to give the Sox more time to see what they have in Meyer or Campbell.
Red Sox CEO Craig Breslow has been very active in trades since taking over the Boston front office in October 2023, though Garrett Cooper-A cash consideration agreement in April 2024 remains the only agreement between Breslow and his former team. During the 2019–23 seasons, Breslow worked in the Cubs’ front office, and was promoted to assistant GM during the 2020–21 offseason after Jed Hoyer was promoted to president of Chicago baseball operations.
