Why Red Sox won't pursue Eugenio Suarez or Isaac Paredes this offseason

The Boston Red Sox have one more move to make this offseason: adding to their infield. Marcelo Mayer will take over at third base or second base, and whoever they sign or trade for will take the other spot.

Most of the top options are off the board, though there are two players to keep an eye on: free agent slugger Eugenio Suarez and Houston Astros All-Star Isaac Paredes.

However, despite those two being among the best available players for the Red Sox, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic revealed the Red Sox aren't likely interested. Why? Well, it's thanks to one reason from Craig Breslow.

Why Red Sox won't go after Suarez, Paredes

"At Suarez's news conference, Breslow couldn't have made his preference to prioritize infield defense any clearer," McCaffrey writes.

"Any additions that we may make," Breslow said, "we'll be very mindful of the defensive skill set."

Adding players with good defense is a priority for the Red Sox this offseason, and is the direction they'll take with their infield pickup.

Unfortunately, neither Suarez nor Paredes aren't good defender. If Breslow is sticking by that defensive focus this offseason, neither Paredes nor Suarez would be a realistic option.

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Boston's plan would revolve around internal options, or a trade for one of Matt Shaw or Nico Hoerner from the Chicago Cubs.

Neither of those trades is likely, either, as they're expensive price tags for the Red Sox to match. Instead, the most likely solution will be an internal solution, barring a name that hasn't come up yet this offseason.

Suarez and Paredes are among the best hitters the Red Sox could still add this offseason, but with Breslow's focus on defense, neither is truly the right fit for Boston this offseason.

This stance from Breslow is an unfortunate one for the Red Sox, as two of the best options available for the Red Sox aren't likely options for Boston this offseason.

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