The Red Sox had their sights set on Pete Alonso, but when the Polar Bear landed elsewhere, Boston didn’t panic-they pivoted. Fenway had big dreams this winter, sure, but the front office never treated Alonso as the only path forward.
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow came into the offseason with a clear plan: add power, yes, but not at the expense of versatility and defense. This wasn’t going to be a one-dimensional rebuild.
Now, with Alonso off the board and Kyle Schwarber also out of reach, Boston’s attention has turned to a name that could check multiple boxes at once: Ketel Marte.
According to league reports from December 16, the Red Sox have emerged as a serious player in trade discussions for the Diamondbacks’ star infielder. Marte’s contract-$116.5 million through 2030-is widely viewed as a team-friendly deal for a player of his caliber. And for Boston, he fills a hole that’s been glaring for years: second base.
Since Dustin Pedroia’s career was derailed by injury in 2017, the Red Sox have cycled through a revolving door of stopgaps at the position. Marte could finally bring some stability.
A switch-hitter with pop and plate discipline, he’s coming off a 4.4 bWAR season despite dealing with a hamstring issue. He brings postseason experience, offensive balance, and defensive reliability-all things this roster needs.
And importantly, he doesn’t have a no-trade clause that would block a move to Boston.
Arizona isn’t under pressure to move Marte, but this might be the cleanest window to do it. Boston has what it takes to make a deal happen: pitching depth, an outfield surplus, and a farm system with enough capital to get talks going.
Breslow has said before that big trades come with some discomfort. Marte may be worth sitting in that unease.
But that’s not the only high-profile name tied to Boston this winter.
Alex Bregman made a strong impression in his first season at Fenway, helping lead the Red Sox back to the postseason while hitting .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI. He wasn’t quite the defensive force he was in his Houston prime, but he still brought steady glove work and veteran leadership to a team that needed both.
Now, Bregman has opted out-and the Red Sox can’t afford to let another key piece walk. After missing on Alonso and Schwarber, Boston is reportedly expected to make a strong push to re-sign the 31-year-old infielder, even with a price tag that could exceed $150 million.
Bregman remains one of the top infielders on the market, and his return would give Boston a proven bat with postseason pedigree and a reliable presence in the clubhouse. Losing him would leave a sizable hole-not just in the lineup, but in the team’s identity.
So here’s where things stand: the Red Sox have already swung and missed twice this offseason. They can’t afford to go 0-for-3.
Whether it’s locking down Bregman or pulling the trigger on a Marte deal, Boston’s next move needs to land. And if they get it right, it could set the tone for a new era at Fenway-one built not just on power, but on balance, depth, and a clear vision for the future.