The Boston Red Sox are in hot pursuit for some middle infielders...

Boston, after having its most recent acquisition hit the shelf after just two plate appearances, has been tied to numerous trade candidates ahead of the 6 p.m. ET trade deadline on Monday -- San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto, Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez, and Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz

It's safe to say they won't be landing the latter.

The Red Sox were shot down after offering a package mostly made up of prospects for De La Cruz, according to MassLive's Sean McAdam. The Reds were said to be more interested in young major leaguers, though that wasn't an option when dealing with a team that has its sights set on the postseason.

De La Cruz, 24, is one of the most enticing young players who is believed to be available, as he has three years of control after this season and has been unwilling to sign an extension -- which is the reason his club feels compelled to listen on trade proposals -- after stealing a league-leading 67 bases and adding a career-best 25 home runs in 2024.

If you want that guy, though, you're going to have to give up something relatively substantial!

Franklin Arias, the top-rated prospect in the system, is considered by many evaluators to be among the very best in the game but would only be moved if the organization can find a long-term answer at shortstop -- though there is a question if he'll be moved at all. If he was on the table, that would signal that teams value proven production over perspective talent -- an issue for those looking to swing big before Monday.