Red Sox reportedly tried, failed to acquire Reds SS Elly De La Cruz

The Red Sox are kicking the tires on a major acquisition at the trade deadline, but their latest reported attempt came up short.

According to MassLive’s Sean McAdam, Boston put together a substantial offer for Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz. However, the sides could not agree on the framework for the deal.

The Red Sox package was primarily prospect-based, according to McAdam.

De La Cruz would be an instant upgrade for the Red Sox in the middle infield, their most pressing need at the deadline. Boston did acquire Curtis Mead to shore up their middle infield at second base, but he injured his wrist in his Red Sox debut and does not have a firm timetable for returning.

Despite battling injuries, Boston has gotten by perfectly fine with the tandem of Andruw Monasterio, Anothy Seigler, and Nick Sogard filling those spots. Trevor Story is also on the mend to provide additional relief, but even if he gets healthy, De La Cruz would be an upgrade at shortstop.

Boston has been linked to other shortstops as well, as the deadline approaches. So it’s clear Craig Breslow sees the need to not only fill a gap at shortstop, but do so with a splash acquisition.

The one caveat that seems to be consistent throughout trade rumors is that Boston is being very careful about giving up its top prospect, Franklin Arias, in many trade packages. If Arias were moved, it would have to be for a perfect-fit piece in return.

It’s unclear if De La Cruz was high enough caliber to warrant Arias’s involvement, but he certainly would have fit the bill of a splash acquisition if the sides managed to come to terms.

But a deal for a shortstop may still come together before Aug. 3, be it De La Cruz or another veteran.