The Boston Red Sox have been active in the search for shortstop reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline. Miami Marlins Otto Lopez is one of the most popular targets on the market, but Boston has little to no chance of trading for him, according to multiple sources.
Sean McAdam on August 1 reported that the Marlins aren't inclined to move Lopez at this time, and it's no wonder why. Lopez's .321/.354/.479 slash line and seven outs above average at shortstop would be tough for any team to give up.
But Miami's hesitance to trade Lopez doesn't eliminate the possibility of another swap between it and the Red Sox. According Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, Boston has checked in on the availability of catcher Liam Hicks (subscription required).
MLB insider Jeff Passan has already proposed that the Red Sox trade for both Lopez and Hicks to address both of their biggest infield deficiencies — shortstop and catcher. Trevor Story and Marcelo Mayer haven't moved the needle in the middle infield all year while Connor Wong and Carlos Narváez remain offensively inconsistent in the catcher's slot. Even though Lopez is no longer available, the Red Sox should maintain their pursuit of Hicks.
Red Sox targeting Liam Hicks from Marlins following end of Otto Lopez trade talks
The 27-year-old catcher is in the throes of his sophomore season, meaning he has over four years of team control remaining on his contract. He'd be a great offensive-minded counterpart to Narváez, as Hicks is a below-average defender.
Hicks is batting .282/.363/.432 with nine doubles, a triple, 14 home runs and 62 RBI over 101 games. His 14 home runs would be tied with Ceddanne Rafaela for third place on the Red Sox. Hicks also has a keen eye and is one of the best players in the league at not striking out. He's taken 40 walks and struck out just 39 times, and his whiff and strikeout percentages rank in the 98th percentile.
Since Hicks has so many years remaining on his contract and he plays a premier position, he'll be a pricey trade deadline acquisition. The Red Sox have the farm system depth particularly in the pitching department, to make such a move, however.
The pool of middle infield talent on the market is dwindling. The New York Yankees landed Luis GarcÃa Jr. from the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Angels have requested top prospect Franklin Arias and more in exchange for Zach Neto (which should never, ever happen). The price for Luis Arráez from the San Francisco Giants is also reportedly astronomical.
A smart move could help the Red Sox land a long-term upgrade in a position of need, but they would have to trade for Hicks before any of his other suitors, including the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays also have a deep and talented farm system, so if Boston truly wants Hicks for its playoff push, it should move quickly.
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