The Boston Red Sox have been one of the more intriguing teams to watch this offseason, and the latest round of rumors only adds fuel to the fire. The Sox have reportedly shown interest in Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Ketel Marte, but he's not the only big name from the desert drawing attention in Boston.
Zac Gallen, Arizona’s ace and one of the most consistent arms in the National League over the past few years, is also being floated as a potential target. While Gallen is coming off a down year by his standards - a career-high 4.83 ERA - that number doesn’t tell the whole story.
This is a pitcher who, when he’s right, profiles as a top-of-the-rotation workhorse. He’s 30, still in his prime, and has been the backbone of the D-backs’ rotation since arriving in 2019.
From 2022 through 2024, Gallen put together a rock-solid stretch: a 3.20 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and an average of 4.1 WAR per season across 93 starts. That run included a pivotal role in Arizona’s 2023 World Series push, where he showcased his ability to pitch deep into games and miss bats with a mix of a four-seamer, knuckle curve, and changeup. Even with the step back in 2025, there’s plenty of reason to believe Gallen could bounce back - especially in a new environment like Boston, where the rotation could use a jolt of front-end talent.
Gallen’s name was already linked to the Red Sox ahead of last summer’s trade deadline, and it’s clear that interest hasn’t faded. If Boston is serious about contending in 2026, adding a pitcher of his caliber would be a strong statement.
But the Red Sox aren’t just eyeing help in the rotation. According to recent reports, they’re also being urged to re-sign All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman and take a flier on veteran left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin.
Let’s talk about Chafin for a moment. He’s been one of the more quietly effective bullpen arms in the league - and one of the most well-traveled.
The 35-year-old has pitched for eight different teams over the last six seasons, including two stints with Arizona. Yet despite the constant movement, Chafin continues to get outs at a high level.
His 2025 season was another reminder of what he brings to the table: a 2.41 ERA over 42 appearances split between the Angels and Nationals. He’s still striking guys out, still inducing weak contact, and doing it with a steady three-pitch mix - sinker, slider, four-seamer - that keeps hitters off balance. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective, and with veteran lefty Justin Wilson hitting the open market, Boston could use another reliable southpaw in the pen.
Even though the Red Sox bullpen finished second in MLB with a 3.41 ERA last season, depth is always a premium - especially from the left side. Chafin’s durability and consistency make him a smart target, particularly for a team looking to shore up its pitching staff from top to bottom.
So while all eyes may be on the Red Sox’s pursuit of a big-name bat like Marte, don’t overlook the potential impact of arms like Gallen and Chafin. Whether it’s a front-line starter or a bullpen stabilizer, Boston appears to be exploring every avenue to upgrade its roster. And if any of these moves come to fruition, it could signal a more aggressive approach from a club that’s clearly aiming to reestablish itself among the AL’s elite.