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Red Sox Acquire Donovan, Paredes in Strategic Moves

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 2:55 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ST. LOUIS/BOSTON - February 9th, 2026 - The Boston Red Sox are making bold moves as they prepare for the 2026 Major League Baseball season, signaling a clear intent to contend in the increasingly competitive American League East. Today, the team announced the acquisitions of versatile infielders Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals and Isaac Paredes from the Houston Astros, moves that significantly bolster their depth and provide manager Alex Cora with crucial flexibility.

The trade for Donovan and Paredes isn't simply about adding bodies; it's a strategic shift acknowledging the evolving landscape of modern baseball. Both players offer positional versatility - a highly prized asset in today's game. Donovan, a four-year veteran with the Cardinals, is uniquely adept at playing every position on the diamond except pitcher and catcher. This 'super-utility' role is becoming increasingly valuable, allowing managers to navigate injuries, exploit favorable matchups, and maintain defensive stability throughout a long season. The Red Sox organization specifically highlighted Donovan's defensive prowess as a key factor in the acquisition. His ability to seamlessly transition between positions without a significant drop in performance will be invaluable, particularly in a division like the AL East where every game is a battle.

Paredes, acquired from the Astros after two seasons in Houston, brings a different but equally important dimension to the Red Sox lineup: offensive potential. While also possessing the ability to man multiple infield positions - primarily third base, second base, and first base - Paredes has demonstrated a knack for hitting with power. The Astros, a perennial playoff contender, saw enough potential in Paredes to nurture his development, and the Red Sox believe he can unlock that potential fully in a new environment. Reports suggest Paredes has been working diligently on improving his plate discipline, and the Red Sox coaching staff is confident they can help him become a consistent offensive threat.

These acquisitions didn't come without corresponding roster moves. The Red Sox designated veteran infielder Yolmer Sanchez for assignment, a difficult but necessary decision to clear space for the newer additions. Sanchez, a reliable player in the past, had seen his role diminish in recent seasons. The release of catcher Kevin Plawecki was similarly a strategic move, suggesting the Red Sox are comfortable with their current catching depth and are prioritizing positions where they perceived a greater need for improvement. Plawecki was a respected veteran presence in the clubhouse, but the team seems to be leaning towards younger, more dynamic players.

Beyond the Names: A Broader Roster Reshaping

These trades aren't isolated incidents. They represent a deliberate attempt by Red Sox leadership to address perceived weaknesses and build a more well-rounded roster. The AL East is currently dominated by teams with deep benches and strong defensive capabilities - the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays. The Red Sox, while possessing star power in their starting lineup, have often been vulnerable when injuries strike or when facing tough left-handed pitching. Donovan and Paredes directly address these concerns.

Industry analysts are already speculating on how Cora will utilize these new pieces. Donovan is almost certain to be a key component of the Red Sox's late-game defensive strategies, allowing Cora to make crucial substitutions without sacrificing defensive integrity. Paredes, meanwhile, could challenge for a starting role at either second or third base, potentially pushing existing players to elevate their performance. The competition for playing time during spring training will undoubtedly be fierce, creating a healthy environment for all involved.

The Red Sox front office appears to be prioritizing versatility and upside. This approach suggests they are willing to take calculated risks on players with untapped potential, rather than relying solely on established veterans. It's a philosophy that could pay dividends if Donovan and Paredes can reach their full potential. With spring training looming, all eyes will be on these new additions as they integrate into the Red Sox system and attempt to establish themselves as key contributors to the 2026 campaign. The team's commitment to flexibility and offensive potential is a clear statement of their ambition for the upcoming season. The question now remains: will these strategic moves be enough to propel the Red Sox back to the top of the AL East?