In a significant development for the Boston Red Sox as they prepare for the 2026 season, head coach Alex Cora has publicly outlined three key potential trade targets that the organization views as high-impact additions capable of elevating the team’s competitiveness in the American League East. Speaking during spring training preparations in Fort Myers, Cora emphasized the front office’s proactive approach this offseason, crediting chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and his staff for reshaping the roster amid notable departures and strategic pivots.
The Red Sox have already been one of the more active clubs this winter, bolstering their pitching depth with acquisitions such as Sonny Gray from the Cardinals and free-agent signing Ranger Suárez on a multi-year deal. They also added catcher Willson Contreras via trade and recently completed a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers for infielder Caleb Durbin, a versatile contact hitter who finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2025.
These moves reflect a shift toward building a more balanced, defensively sound team around emerging talents like Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela, while addressing gaps left by the departure of third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency.
Cora highlighted the need for targeted upgrades to complement the young core and the revamped rotation, which is now anchored by ace Garrett Crochet. “We’ve got some good players,” Cora said recently. “It’s a different roster than last year. It’s a different year. But ironically enough, I feel like we have a more complete team than last year.” His comments underscore confidence in the current group, yet he acknowledged that pursuing specific pieces through trades remains a priority to push the Red Sox back into contention.
Among the three potential trade targets Cora referenced, the most intriguing—and the one generating the greatest buzz—is a player drawing direct comparisons to Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. While Cora did not name the individual outright in his remarks, sources close to the situation indicate the focus is on a dynamic, high-upside talent who combines elite offensive production with versatility and star potential. This player’s profile mirrors Ohtani’s rare blend of power, speed, and ability to impact games in multiple facets, making him a tantalizing fit for Fenway Park’s hitter-friendly dimensions.
The other two targets represent more conventional but still significant upgrades. One is expected to address infield depth and provide Gold Glove-caliber defense alongside reliable contact hitting, potentially slotting in at second or third base to stabilize the left side. The third target is anticipated to bring power and run production to the outfield or designated hitter role, helping offset the loss of Bregman’s bat while aligning with Cora’s preference for athletic, defensively proficient players who can contribute in multiple ways.
These potential moves come at a pivotal time for Boston. After a transitional period marked by roster flux—including the mid-2025 trade of Rafael Devers that brought in pitching prospects—the Red Sox have prioritized sustainability over splashy, short-term fixes. Cora praised the front office’s decisiveness, particularly in responding to setbacks like Bregman’s exit. “Give credit to the front office,” he noted. “That Saturday in Boston [when Bregman left], it felt like the world was falling… but they did an outstanding job getting Suarez here, and we kept working, working, working.”
The emphasis on these trade targets signals that the Red Sox are not content to rely solely on internal development, despite the excitement surrounding prospects like Anthony, who could see a power surge in 2026, and Abreu, projected as an everyday right fielder. Rafaela’s defensive prowess in center field provides a strong foundation, but adding proven talent could accelerate the timeline for returning to October baseball.
Industry observers note that the Red Sox’s farm system depth gives them leverage in negotiations, though the organization has shown reluctance to part with untouchables like Anthony. The pursuit of a player likened to Ohtani suggests ambition to land a transformative figure, even if it requires a substantial package. Such a signing—predicted by some insiders as Boston’s next major coup—would instantly reshape the lineup and boost fan optimism heading into the season opener against the Cincinnati Reds, where Crochet is set to take the mound.
Cora’s announcement serves as both a vote of confidence in the current direction and a clear message that more action is forthcoming. With pitchers and catchers reporting and position players soon to follow, the Red Sox are positioning themselves as buyers in a market where versatile, high-ceiling players remain available. The three targets represent a blend of immediate impact and long-term upside, tailored to Cora’s vision of a complete, athletic squad capable of competing with the division’s heavyweights.
As spring training unfolds, all eyes will be on how these discussions progress. A successful acquisition of even one of these players—especially the Ohtani-comparable star—could mark a turning point for a franchise eager to reclaim its place among baseball’s elite. For now, Cora’s words have ignited hope that the Red Sox are building toward something special in 2026 and beyond.
