Ken Rosenthal Hints at Boston Red Sox’s Final Offseason Move: Will They Complete the Roster Puzzle?

The Red Sox’s Final Piece: A Second Baseman to Complete the Roster

As the 2026 MLB season rapidly approaches, the Boston Red Sox are nearing the end of their offseason moves, but one key piece remains unfilled: second base. In a recent segment on Fair Territory, Ken Rosenthal offered a revealing hint about where the team’s front office believes they still need help. Rosenthal’s comments suggested that the Red Sox have one final move to make—bringing in a right-handed-hitting second baseman to round out their roster.

This potential move would complete a roster that, while already aggressive on the pitching front, still has a few gaps in the lineup. With the addition of Willson Contreras earlier in the offseason, the Red Sox strengthened their offense, but they still need that final piece to help stabilize their lineup. According to Rosenthal, that piece is a versatile second baseman who can defend well, hit right-handed, and provide stability to a roster that already leans left-handed in its offensive approach.

Marcelo Mayer’s Move to Third Base: The Key to Unlocking the Roster Puzzle

Internally, the Red Sox have long viewed Marcelo Mayer as their long-term third baseman. Mayer, who has excelled as a shortstop, has a bat that profiles well as one that should anchor the middle of the order. Moving Mayer to third base opens up second base as a key position to be filled, and the player the Red Sox seek there will need to meet specific criteria. While Mayer could certainly remain at shortstop, his bat is best suited for a prime position in the lineup, and this change makes second base a pivotal point for the Red Sox roster.

The team has already made significant moves to strengthen their pitching staff, with Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez coming in to stabilize the rotation. But the Red Sox front office knows that simply relying on pitching won’t be enough. They need to address the offensive balance in their lineup, and adding a reliable, right-handed second baseman would provide the final piece to their puzzle.

Nico Hoerner: The Ideal Fit for the Red Sox?

When it comes to potential candidates for the second base job, one name that consistently comes up is Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs. According to Rosenthal, Hoerner fits the mold of what the Red Sox are looking for: an elite defender, a right-handed bat, and a player who can be relied upon in high-leverage situations. Hoerner’s stellar defense at second base and his ability to hit for both average and power make him an attractive target for Boston, and his addition could provide exactly what the team needs.

Hoerner’s reliability and consistency at second base would add a level of stability to a team that has often struggled with offensive inconsistency. While his offensive numbers aren’t overwhelming, Hoerner’s ability to make contact and keep the line moving is invaluable to a team like the Red Sox, who rely on pitching and defense. Moreover, his presence would balance out the left-handed heavy lineup that Boston currently fields.

However, Hoerner’s availability hinges on whether the Cubs are willing to part with him, and that is a significant question. The Cubs have made it clear that they see Hoerner as an important piece of their future, which could make it difficult for the Red Sox to acquire him. But if the Cubs are willing to engage in trade talks, Hoerner could be the perfect fit for the Red Sox, bringing both defensive prowess and reliability to the second base position.

Brendan Donovan: Another Option for the Red Sox’s Final Move?

Another potential target for the Red Sox is Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Like Hoerner, Donovan offers strong defense and the ability to get on base, but there is one caveat that could complicate the deal for the Red Sox: Donovan is a left-handed hitter. Given Boston’s already left-handed heavy lineup, adding another left-handed bat to the mix could present a matchup problem late in games, especially in high-pressure situations.

Donovan’s left-handed bat is an asset, but it’s also a concern for a team that has been conscious of the need for balance in its lineup. With so many left-handed hitters already in the mix, the Red Sox might be reluctant to add another one unless they feel it’s absolutely necessary. That’s why Hoerner, with his right-handed bat and elite defense, remains the most ideal fit for the Red Sox’s needs.

One Final Move: What Does It Mean for the Red Sox’s Roster?

Rosenthal’s comment that the Red Sox have “one big move left in them” speaks volumes about their approach to the remainder of the offseason. The front office is not in a rush to make a splash for the sake of it; they are waiting for the right move that will truly make sense for the team. This move will not be about chasing headlines or adding redundant pieces—it will be about functionality and addressing a critical need.

The Red Sox are building a team that is designed to pitch, defend, and compete within the AL East. But to truly thrive over the course of 162 games, they need a lineup that doesn’t rely too heavily on young bats like Roman Anthony. Adding a right-handed, reliable second baseman would bring much-needed balance to the offense and prevent the lineup from becoming overly dependent on left-handed hitters.

The Urgency of the Final Move: Is Time Running Out?

As the offseason draws to a close, the Red Sox know that the clock is ticking. While they’ve made significant progress in shaping their pitching staff, the offense still needs that final piece to round out the roster. The addition of a second baseman who can contribute defensively and offensively is the missing piece that would make the entire lineup more well-rounded and cohesive.

Whether it’s Hoerner or Donovan, the Red Sox’s final move of the offseason will be crucial. This move will not only address a need but will also send a clear message about the team’s intentions for 2026. If done correctly, this last move will bring everything else into focus, making the Red Sox a formidable contender in the AL East.

Final Thoughts: The Red Sox Are One Move Away

The Boston Red Sox are close to completing their offseason makeover, with only one big move remaining. The addition of a right-handed second baseman like Nico Hoerner or Brendan Donovan could be the key to rounding out the roster and giving the team the balance it needs to compete in a tough AL East. The Red Sox know that their pitching is strong, but to truly succeed, they need a lineup that can complement it. With the right final move, the Red Sox could be ready to make a deep run in 2026.