Red Sox Notes: Durbin, Trade Targets, Suarez - MLB Trade Rumors

What the report says

MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Red Sox are keeping Caleb Durbin at third base for the time being after acquiring infielder Curtis Mead from the Nationals. Mead, who has produced a 134 wRC+ over 327 plate appearances this season, was added as Boston sought infield help and a right-handed bat. Although Mead has mostly played the infield corners in 2026, first base is occupied by Willson Contreras, leaving some uncertainty about how Boston will line up defensively.

Citing Chris Cotillo of MassLive and Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald, MLBTR said Durbin had expressed openness to changing positions and was approached by the team before the Mead trade about his flexibility. For now, Durbin will remain at third while working at second base and shortstop in practice, with Mead likely used in more than one role. Durbin, acquired from Milwaukee in February, struggled early but has rebounded sharply since June 1, giving Boston strong recent offense along with well-regarded infield defense.

The article framed the move as part of a broader shift for a Red Sox team that has returned to contention after a rough start. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said the club’s players and fans had earned an effort to improve the roster. MLBTR also relayed a 7News Boston report that Boston had checked on high-end targets such as Jeremy Peña, Zach Neto and Shea Langeliers, though those deals were described as unlikely.

On the pitching side, Boston activated left-hander Ranger Suarez from the 15-day injured list and optioned Alec Gamboa. Suarez returned from a left groin strain and threw four scoreless innings against Toronto, giving him a 3.15 ERA over 91 1/3 innings in his first Red Sox season.