The Boston Red Sox have been very active in the trade market this offseason. They’ve pulled off three meaningful deals, and their most recent came with the St. Louis Cardinals (again), as the Cardinals decided to move on from first baseman Willson Contreras, who lands in Boston.
One name that has been subject to many trade rumors over the last month is Diamondbacks‘ infielder Ketel Marte. After acquiring Contreras, it would be tough for Boston to put together a package for Marte that doesn’t include a large amount of capital. A recent report suggests the Red Sox are now OUT on trading for Ketel Marte.
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Red Sox ‘Expected To End Trade Talks’ with Ketel Marte
Once Ketel Marte’s name started to pick up trade buzz, it was no surprise that he immediately became the biggest name on the market. Marte is a three-time All-Star, switch-hitter, and one of the best infield power bats in baseball.
Some of the trade rumors stem from a disconnect between Marte and the Diamondbacks clubhouse and organization.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported this week that the Boston Red Sox are ‘expected to end trade talks’ with Ketel Marte this offseason. Boston now owes Willson Contreras $33.5 million of his remaining contract, and taking Marte’s $100+ million deal would be tough at this point.
There is also a scenario in which the Diamondbacks keep Marte, and the Red Sox re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman. However, does this recent report mean that Craig Breslow and the rest of the Boston front office are going to hit the brakes on any more trades at this moment?
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Where Does Boston Go from Here?
The addition of Willson Contreras is huge for the Red Sox lineup, which has desperately needed a first baseman.
Boston will continue to await the decision of Alex Bregman. The rest of the Red Sox offseason feels predicated on what Bregman will decide to do.
Aside from that, Boston has a plethora of young arms. Hunter Dobbins is now in St. Louis, but the Red Sox could explore another trade for a top starter on the market if they feel some of their young pitchers are expendable.
As for second base, where Marte resides in the infield, the Red Sox plan to utilize Kristian Campbell next season after he’s developed in the minors.
The Red Sox are in a great spot this offseason, but they must remain aggressive to keep pace in the American League East. The Blue Jays, Orioles, and Yankees (eventually) have already/will continue to make wholesale changes throughout the winter.
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