The Boston Red Sox are suddenly interesting again, and not in the “maybe next year” way they’ve been selling since they shipped Rafael Devers out last summer. After climbing back into the playoff picture, the front office is apparently ready to spend some of that saved money at the trade deadline.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today dropped the names on Boston’s wish list, and it’s not exactly subtle. The Red Sox have their eyes on Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, Angels shortstop Zach Neto, and Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers. That’s three young, controllable bats who could reshape the lineup overnight.
“They’ve got plenty of money in the coffers after unloading Rafael Devers last summer, and have no hesitancy acquiring big stars,” Nightengale wrote. “They made attempts to acquire Angels center fielder Mike Trout in the past, and this time have their eyes on Angels shortstop Zach Neto or shortstop C.J. Abrams from the Washington Nationals. They also salivate over the idea of having Shea Langeliers behind the plate.”
The Mike Trout part is interesting but probably not happening. The Angels have been stubborn about moving him, even as they keep losing. Trout’s contract and injury history make any deal complicated, plus he reportedly wants to stay in Anaheim. So the more realistic targets are the other three.
Shortstop is the priority
Boston has been piecing it together at shortstop all year, and neither Trevor Story’s health nor Ceddanne Rafaela’s bat has been consistent enough to lock down the position. Neto brings plus defense and some pop — he hit 23 homers last year and plays with an edge that Fenway fans would love. Abrams is more of a dynamic, high-contact guy with speed, still just 24, and the Nationals might be motivated to move him if the price is right.
Either one would instantly be the best shortstop the Red Sox have had since Xander Bogaerts left.
The catcher hunt is real
Langeliers might be the most impactful name on the list, just because catching is such a thin position league-wide. He’s thrown out 32% of base stealers this year and has 15 homers with an .815 OPS. The Red Sox have been cycling through options behind the plate — Connor Wong is fine but not a game-changer — and Langeliers would be a clear upgrade on both sides of the ball.
The A’s are still in that weird limbo where they’re not really contending but not fully tanking either, so he’s available for the right package.
What this says about Boston’s timeline
For a team that spent most of last season selling off parts, this is a pretty loud signal. The farm system is still well-stocked from the Devers trade, and ownership has proven it’s willing to take on money when the team looks like it can win. The question is whether they’ll actually pull the trigger on a deal or just kick tires like they’ve done in past summers.
The trade deadline is still a few weeks away, but Boston’s list is out there now. Other teams know what they want. That usually means the price goes up. But if the Red Sox are serious about making a run in 2026, they’re going to have to overpay for someone.
Neto, Abrams, Langeliers. Pick one. Pick two. The message is the same: the Red Sox are done waiting.
Leave a Comment