With the 15-game win streak in the rearview, the Boston Red Sox are now focused on adding to their team in hopes of making a deep run.
The Red Sox already completed a trade to add Curtis Mead, and it is likely that he will see most of his starts come at second base since the Red Sox already have Caleb Durbin and Willson Contreras at the corners. Even after the addition of Mead, the Red Sox are reportedly interested in adding another middle infielder. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Red Sox are searching for a shortstop.
The Red Sox have been searching for a shortstop, in a market notably thin in shortstops.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 27, 2026
Marcelo Mayer and Trevor Story are both on the injured list. They were the starting tandem up the middle for the Red Sox, but neither was playing well even before their injuries. It's unclear whether the Red Sox want a rental shortstop or want something more long-term, but adding a shortstop would have major implications for both Story and Mayer's futures.
Mead is under contract through 2030, so assuming he, Durbin and Contreras are locked into their positions for the next few years, Story and Meyer would be competing for the shortstop job. Story is set to make $25 million next season and has a $25 million club option for 2028. Mayer is under contract through 2031.
If the Red Sox think Story will not be able to return this year, they could simply add a shortstop, move Mayer to the bench and then trade Story in the offseason. However, if Story does return, adding a shortstop would mean the two would have to share the spot, or the Red Sox would have to bite the bullet and bench Story.
There are not many true shortstops available at this year's deadline, but the Red Sox could make a splash and go after a big name like CJ Abrams or Willy Adames.