Red Sox Eye Trades for De La Cruz, Abrams
Boston is expected to pursue upgrades to its lineup by inquiring about Cincinnati and Washington infielders this offseason.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Baseball
The Boston Red Sox are expected to inquire about trades for Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz and Washington Nationals infielder CJ Abrams. Cincinnati may move De La Cruz, and Washington may trade Abrams.
Why it matters
Boston ranked 23rd in total runs scored during the 2026 regular season, and its offense needs upgrading after a postseason exit in the American League Wild Card round. Adding at least a bat or two is expected to be a priority this offseason.
Elly De La Cruz posted a .283 batting average, .880 OPS, 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 2026, while CJ Abrams recorded a .261 average, .834 OPS, 33 home runs and 34 stolen bases. Boston finished 23rd in total runs scored during the 2026 regular season.
The players
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Boston that competes in the American League East division.
Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz is a shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds who has drawn attention for his power and speed combination.
CJ Abrams
CJ Abrams is an infielder for the Washington Nationals who has combined power with base-stealing ability in recent seasons.
The details
The Red Sox are expected to reach out to the Reds and Nationals about potential trades, and the team will keep pursuing a possible deal for Abrams. Boston is expected to be aggressive in adding at least one or two bats this offseason.
Timeline
The 2026 regular season saw Boston rank 23rd in total runs scored.
Boston reached the 2026 postseason and lost in the American League Wild Card round.
The trade inquiries are expected to take place this offseason.
The Big Picture
Boston's 23rd-place finish in total runs scored in 2026 places this offseason's pursuit of De La Cruz and Abrams in direct response to a documented lineup shortfall. Both players combined power and speed in 2026, making them the kind of multi-skilled hitters a lineup that ranked 23rd in scoring would target.
If the Red Sox land an upgrade, their lineup could shift, changing which hitters fantasy managers track next season. Trade activity this offseason may also affect roster slots for fans following both players' 2027 outlooks.
The takeaway
Teams that finished low in run scoring often look to add contact and speed hitters through trades, and the Red Sox pursuit of De La Cruz and Abrams reflects that pattern. Readers tracking fantasy value should watch where both players land this winter.
Further reading
For more on the team's recent history, see Baseball coverage across the league.
