Why Red Sox may be a good fit for Ketel Marte

Since the announcement of Alex Bregman to the Cubs, the Boston Red Sox have seemed to turn quite the pivot. 

Mere hours after the announcement of southpaw Ranger Suarez to the club, fresh rumors had started about a potential trade for Diamondbacks star second baseman Ketel Marte. Despite Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen shutting down any potential Marte trade earlier in January, USA Today's Bob Nightengale went on "Foul Territory" on Wednesday and fed the flames on a potential Marte to Boston deal. He explained that the Red Sox’s bevy of starting pitcher talent could leave room for a potential deal with Arizona.

Why a Red Sox-Diamondbacks trade involving Ketel Marte makes sense

To add even more noise to the rumor mill, MassLive’s Sean McAdam wrote that the Diamondbacks have "long coveted" Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran. They also have interest in two of Boston’s young arms, Payton Tolle and Connelly Early, setting up for a potential trade.

With Arizona in need of starting pitching and outfielders, the Red Sox would be quite the suitor as they have an excess of talent at both positions. If Craig Breslow decides that the price is right, a potential trade of Duran and one of Tolle or Early for Marte could be on the table.

For Boston, the acquisition of Marte would be huge. The Red Sox currently have a hold at second base, and Marte’s positive glove would significantly improve the club’s infield. However, in addition to his glove, Marte’s most valuable piece is his bat. In 126 games in 2025, Marte had a slash line of .283/.376/.517/.893 while slugging 28 homers and having a 145 OPS+.

Marte would be a monster addition for the Red Sox. With both he and Bregman being 32 by Opening Day, he would be the ideal replacement for the former All-Star third baseman.

Of course, for Boston, these are all just rumors. With the club in need of infield help, other suitors, like Isaac Paredes of the Astros and former Mariner Eugenio Suarez, could be in the mix. Safe to say that the rest of the winter should be interesting for Boston.