Red Sox trade idea lands Gold Glove infielder from Cubs to take Marcelo Mayer's roster spot

MLB Spring Training has finally begun, and the Boston Red Sox now begin to evaluate their infield after Alex Bregman left for the Chicago Cubs.

They've tried to fill in for Bregman by trading for Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers, but the Red Sox could go even further in replacing Bregman.

Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer proposed a trade idea that would have the Red Sox acquire Gold Glove infielder Nico Hoerner from the Cubs to pair with Durbin, taking over Marcelo Mayer's roster spot, and forming a defense-first infield.

Red Sox trade idea lands Nico Hoerner to complete defense-first INF

"Boston Red Sox: Nico Hoerner from Chicago Cubs. If they're going to lean even further into it (run prevention)," Rymer writes, "Hoerner should be their next target. He's a two-time Gold Glover at second base, where his arrival would give Boston plus defenders at three out of four infield spots."

Adding Hoerner this Spring would be a very interesting move for the Red Sox. After trading for Durbin, their infield is essentially set.

Willson Contreras has first base locked down, Mayer is the second baseman, Trevor Story is solidified at shortstop, and Durbin is the new third baseman.

But, if the Red Sox aren't fully convinced with Mayer, whether it's due to a rough Spring or some other reason, then trading for a new second baseman could be on the table.

More: Cubs' Alex Bregman makes assertive no-trade clause Red Sox statement

Alex Cora previously didn't guarantee a roster spot on Opening Day for Mayer, so, while this trade idea from Rymer might not make a lot of sense, it's not completely out of the realm of possibility.

Of course, acquiring Hoerner from the Cubs is easier said than done. They have an infield surplus and could instantly shift Matt Shaw to the starter at second base. But moving on from Hoerner would be a big loss defensively and offensively.

Last season, the 28-year-old Cubs second baseman had 6.2 bWAR with a .297 batting average and a .739 OPS in his best offensive season in his seven-year MLB career.

If the Red Sox could add Hoerner, their infield would be one of the better defensive groups in the league, while having some promising hitters as well.

Even if this might not be a likely trade idea from Rymer, there's at least a non-zero chance that this happens. Boston had been linked to Hoerner before, and even though those rumors have died down, a trade wouldn't be that surprising.

More MLB news:

• MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency
• Yankees' Jazz Chisholm reveals his 9-figure contract asking price
• Twins get devastating injury news on Pablo Lopez
• German Marquez takes shot at Rockies after signing with team that 'wants to win'
• Mets fans should be concerned with Bo Bichette after fielding struggles go viral
• Giants get great news on top prospect Carson Whisenhunt with huge velocity increase
• Phillies' Jhoan Duran teases new pitch, but won't reveal what it is