Multiple reports indicate that the Boston Red Sox are looking for a shortstop at the trade deadline, and a long-term option at that.
However, that may not be the smartest decision for Craig Breslow. For one, it will really complicate things for two of the players currently in the big leagues: Trevor Story and Marcelo Mayer. Story is set to make $25 million next year, and when he comes back, he would presumably take over at shortstop again. With the addition of Curtis Mead, that means Mayer would not have a spot when he returns.
Right now, Mead is on the injured list, so if Mayer and Story return before him, they could simply slot in at shortstop and second base as they did before. However, Mead is under contract beyond this season, so at least one of them will be without a spot heading into next year.
Story's contract will be tough to trade, and Mayer is still a young player looking to find his way. The two could compete for the shortstop job next year, but in reality, that job may already belong to Franklin Arias.
Aris is the second big reason the Red Sox need to avoid trading for a shortstop. He is the Red Sox's top prospect and is already in Triple-A. He could make his debut later this year, and adding a long-term shortstop would also block him.
The Red Sox cannot really change his position since they have Caleb Durbin at third base and Mead at second for the foreseeable future. The Red Sox already have a logjam at shortstop with Mayer, Story and Arias. Adding another name to the mix would further complicate things and put the infield in a similar position to the one the outfield was in this year.
The Red Sox have been linked to Zach Neto, CJ Abrams, Otto Lopez and Jeremy Peña. Any of those players would be a significant upgrade to what they have at shortstop right now, but would really hurt the team's plans for Arias.