Red Sox explore infield options after Curtis Mead injury ahead of trade deadline

The Boston Red Sox are evaluating trade possibilities to replace Curtis Mead, who suffered a broken left wrist in his second at-bat after being acquired from the Washington Nationals. Mead’s injury leaves the Red Sox with limited infield depth; Trevor Story, Marcelo Mayer and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are all on the injured list, and the team has been using Andruw Monasterio at shortstop despite preferring him as a utility player.

Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, who completed the Mead trade a week before the deadline, said the move was “incredibly uncomfortable,” underscoring the urgency to reinforce a club that currently has playoff odds above 65 percent, according to FanGraphs.

Potential targets include:

• Luis Arraez of the San Francisco Giants, a left-handed hitter with a .331 average and strong defensive metrics at second base. Although he lacks power, Arraez could provide contact hitting and defensive value; the Giants would likely seek pitching in return.
• Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels, a right-handed shortstop with 19 home runs this season. Neto offers power but is considered a weaker defender; the Angels might request prospects such as shortstop prospect Arias.
• Otto López of the Miami Marlins, a right-handed shortstop who posted a .329 average, 27 doubles and 22 stolen bases. López’s defensive versatility makes him attractive, though the Marlins would likely demand a substantial package of prospects or young pitchers.
• Luis García Jr. of the Washington Nationals, a left-handed first baseman with power who could serve as a designated hitter, though his defensive limitations make him a less ideal fit.

Boston’s front office is expected to weigh the cost of each potential deal against the need to maintain a competitive roster as the trade deadline approaches.