Red Sox linked to Astros for 'no-brainer' trade idea involving .872 OPS shortstop

The Boston Red Sox had a 15-game win streak that brought them right back into postseason contention, and also back into the buyers column for the MLB trade deadline.

They've already added to the roster by acquiring Curtis Mead to bolster the infield. But the Red Sox are still on the prowl for a shortstop upgrade to round out the infield.

ESPN's David Schoenfield linked the Red Sox to the Houston Astros' .872 OPS shortstop Jeremy Pena in a trade idea that he believes would be a "no-brainer" for both teams this summer.

Red Sox trade idea lands Jeremy Pena from Astros in 'no-brainer' deal

"Houston Astros trade Jeremy Pena to Boston Red Sox," Schoenfield writes. "Maybe Mayer is part of the trade. The Red Sox have pitching prospects such as Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon who should interest the Astros. On paper, this looks like a no-brainer for both teams."

Schoenfield's trade idea would have the Astros shipping Pena to the Red Sox in exchange for a package likely headlined by Witherspoon and Eyanson, with Marcelo Mayer potentially involved in the trade as well.

Those three players for Pena would be a lot to give up, but the Astros shortstop, a former Gold Glove winner who has an .872 OPS this season with a .316 batting average and 11 home runs in 231 at-bats with 2.8 bWAR, would be a huge upgrade.

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He's under control for the 2027 season as well, so this wouldn't be a costly rental. Boston would significantly upgrade their shortstop spot and not have to give up Franklin Arias or an MLB pitcher like Payton Tolle.

It makes sense for the Red Sox, and from the Astros' perspective, this trade would also work. Pena isn't signing an extension with Houston, and instead of letting him walk for practically nothing, trading him now would make sense.

This year's Astros team isn't a good one, and shipping Pena out in a trade to bring back two young pitchers and Mayer for a team that desperately needs more pitching help would make sense.

They'd get younger and cheaper in the infield, while also picking up two young high-quality pitching prospects. This trade idea would work for both teams, and especially the Red Sox amid their search for a true shortstop upgrade.

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