As the offseason approaches, Boston Red Sox fans are buzzing with anticipation following Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow’s bold but unsuccessful attempt to land Minnesota Twins All-Star pitcher Joe Ryan at the trade deadline. With a deep pool of prospects and an outfield surplus, the Red Sox are poised to be active in the trade market, and many fans still have their hearts set on Ryan. The 29-year-old right-hander could solidify Boston’s rotation as a clear No. 2 starter, potentially elevating it to compete with the likes of the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. The Twins, with multiple roster needs, could be enticed by Boston’s young talent, making Ryan a tantalizing target.
However, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller has thrown a curveball into the conversation, suggesting in a recent article that Houston Astros infielder Mauricio Dubón is the Red Sox’s “most likely” trade target this offseason. Miller points to uncertainties in Boston’s infield as the primary motivation for this potential move. With Alex Bregman’s possible opt-out, Trevor Story’s potential opt-out, and injury concerns surrounding Story, Marcelo Mayer, and Triston Casas, Miller argues that Dubón’s versatility could stabilize the infield. Additionally, questions about prospect Kristian Campbell’s long-term role further fuel the case for a reliable, multi-positional player like Dubón.
On the surface, Dubón’s elite defensive skills make him an intriguing fit. A 2023 Gold Glove winner, he posted a 99th-percentile range in 2025, showcasing his ability to cover ground across multiple infield positions. With one year left on his contract and the Astros potentially looking to clear space with Carlos Correa anchoring their infield, Dubón could be available at a reasonable cost. For a Red Sox team looking to bolster depth, his defensive prowess and versatility are undeniable assets.
Yet, Dubón’s offensive profile raises serious concerns. In 2025, he posted a lackluster .241/.289/.355 slash line with a .644 OPS over 133 games. His underlying metrics are even more troubling, ranking in the fourth percentile or lower in expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA), expected slugging (xSLG), average exit velocity, hard-hit percentage, and barrel percentage. With just seven home runs last season, Dubón offers little in the way of power—something the Red Sox desperately need after their early playoff exit exposed their lack of offensive firepower.
Boston’s current roster already has players like Romy Gonzalez, who can match Dubón’s infield versatility while providing better offensive output. The Red Sox also have a surplus of middle infield options, making Dubón’s addition feel redundant. Fans and analysts alike are questioning whether this move aligns with Boston’s goal of contending for the AL East crown in 2026. The team’s streaky offense needs a significant boost, and Dubón’s small-ball approach doesn’t move the needle.
Meanwhile, the 2025-26 free agent class offers slim pickings, with outfielders Kyle Tucker and Kyle Schwarber and shortstop Bo Bichette headlining a relatively weak group. This scarcity puts even more pressure on Breslow to make a splash via trade. While Bregman could still return on a long-term deal and Story has expressed a desire to stay in Boston, stating after the Wild Card loss that he “came here to be here for a long time,” the Red Sox can’t afford to settle for marginal upgrades like Dubón.
If Boston wants to compete with the best in the division, they need to aim higher. Trading top prospects for a proven arm like Joe Ryan or another elite pitcher would address a more pressing need and provide a greater impact. The Red Sox’s outfield logjam and deep farm system give them the ammunition to pursue game-changing talent, and fans are hoping Breslow swings for the fences rather than settling for a low-power, defense-first infielder. As the offseason heats up, all eyes are on Boston to see if they can turn their prospect capital into a roster that’s ready to contend.