Red Sox Trade Idea Puts Ketel Marte Back in Focus
On November 3, a proposed offseason trade would send Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte to the Boston Red Sox as they look for a right-handed hitter.
The Boston Red Sox could revisit a deal for Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte this offseason as they seek another right-handed bat for a push toward World Series contention in 2027. The idea has surfaced as the possibility of a December lockout raises the prospect of earlier-than-usual offseason movement.
Arizona is expected to listen to offers for players this winter, including Marte. Boston had pursued him last offseason after Bregman joined the Cubs. Marte, 33, has four years remaining on his contract, along with an $11.5 million club option for 2031. In 141 games in 2026, he hit 22 home runs and drove in 76 runs, with a .249 batting average, .316 on-base percentage and .432 slugging percentage.
A trade would likely cost Boston a significant package, though the proposed price is considered lower than what might be required for Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz or Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams. Marte also had controversies in 2026, including missing a game at Fenway Park against Boston; he had missed a game earlier in his career as well.
Marte would need to waive his no-trade clause for a deal to proceed. One possible arrangement would move Curtis Mead to designated hitter, while another would involve trading Mead and placing Marte at second, Franklin Arias at shortstop and Trevor Story in the designated-hitter role.