RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesRed Sox trade rumors: CJ Abrams, Zach Neto among 6 top options for Boston at 2026 deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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A few short weeks ago, it looked as though the trade deadline would be dominated by conversations about which players the Red Sox would trade. Now, Boston is among the many teams looking to add to its roster for the stretch run.
The Red Sox are not only in playoff position, but they have a record that would at least put them firmly in the mix for division titles if they played in the AL Central or AL West. In a wide-open league, Boston might believe it has a chance to make a deep run.
One major move has already been made, as the Red Sox acquired 3B Curtis Mead from the Nationals for young starter Connelly Early, hoping Mead's power will boost their lineup both this season and in the years to come.
The Red Sox also have some internal additions on the way back, they hope. Boston is still holding out hope that Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet will return from injuries at some point, though neither return is imminent.
In the meantime, here are six trade deadline options the Red Sox could target as they look to upgrade.
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Red Sox trade deadline targets
CJ Abrams, SS, Nationals
Whatever the price was for CJ Abrams before the All-Star break, it's since gone up. Abrams has been on a ridiculous tear for the Nationals, notching 14 hits in a span of five games, and the numbers show he's been one of the best hitters in all of baseball this season.
While there are defensive concerns, Abrams' bat and age — he's still only 25 — make a trade unlikely. Washington will have a decision to make on Abrams given he's set to be a free agent after the 2028 season, but the time for that decision likely isn't right now. For the Red Sox, adding a bat like Abrams at shortstop would be a dream, and they figure to still try to blow the Nationals away.
Zach Neto, SS, Angels
Like Abrams, Zach Neto is a controllable young shortstop who would have to be pried away from his team. There have been reports, though, that an Angels front office in transition is willing to listen.
The 25-year-old Neto has had a tough time making consistent contact this season, but he's coming off back-to-back 5-WAR seasons and pairs impressive power with strong defense. Strikeout concerns aside, Neto would be a natural long-term fit for the Red Sox' infield.
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Foster Griffin, SP, Nationals
With Crochet's return potentially not coming until the postseason and Early traded, the Red Sox could look to add an additional starter. Nationals breakout arm Foster Griffin could be available.
The 31-year-old Griffin came back over to the U.S. from Japan this past winter and has been excellent for the Nationals, starting 12-2 with a 2.76 ERA and 113 strikeouts over 21 starts. Griffin's predictive metrics indicate he's due for some regression, but he's flashed the kind of control that teams want in big spots and wouldn't cost a massive price as a rental.
Luis Arraez, 2B, Giants
Did the Red Sox' addition of Mead negate the need for Luis Arraez? Boston is still trying to figure out how Mead and Caleb Durbin will fit positionally, but with needs remaining in the infield, taking a flier on a contact bat like Arraez could still be on the table.
The former Twins, Marlins and Padres standout has enjoyed a strong season with the Giants, again showcasing little power but making up for it with a .326 AVG and the best OPS+ of his career at 130. Arraez would be a rental, so the cost wouldn't be enormous.
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Luke Weaver, RP, Mets
The Mets seem likely to trade Luke Weaver, and the Red Sox, like most teams, could beef up their bullpen at the deadline. Weaver has a 1.93 ERA and 0.83 WHIP in New York this season, bouncing back from a rockier final season with the Yankees, and his 5.1 hits allowed per nine innings really jumps out. Weaver has pitched in the AL East before and could be a worthwhile rental addition for the rival of his former team.
Tyler Stephenson, C, Reds
The Red Sox haven't gotten enough production from their catchers this season. While their dream might have been either Shea Langeliers, who is out with a torn meniscus, or Hunter Goodman, who is reportedly not on the trade market, the reality of the market may make Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson one of their top options.
Stephenson's bat has declined since a strong 2024, but he has a career 103 OPS+ and could be rejuvenated by a pennant race and the potential to rebuild his value before hitting the open market in the winter. The Red Sox can't be too picky at catcher, and Stephenson wouldn't come at a major cost.
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