The Boston Red Sox have officially pulled off a blockbuster trade, acquiring a Gold Glove-caliber second baseman from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for rising left-handed pitching prospect Connelly Early.
The move instantly reshapes Boston’s infield and sends a clear signal that the team is serious about contending in 2026.
The new infielder is known for elite defense and a consistent bat. While he doesn’t match Alex Bregman’s power, his glove and on-base skills make him a perfect fit for Boston. Ceddanne Rafaela will slide to center field, and Marcelo Mayer moves to third base, giving the Red Sox a balanced and dynamic lineup.
That player is Nico Hoerner, a two-time Gold Glove winner who slashed .297/.345/.394 over 156 games last season, with 29 doubles and 61 RBIs. He brings elite defensive skills and experience in the middle of the diamond, instantly upgrading Boston’s infield.
The cost was steep: 23-year-old Connelly Early, who posted a 2.33 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 19.1 innings last season, including a Game 3 start in the AL Wild Card Series. While Early shows future rotation potential, the Red Sox front office clearly views this as a win-now move to solidify the infield for the 2026 campaign.