The Boston Red Sox made their first significant offensive move of the offseason by bringing in Willson Contreras, a veteran bat with a knack for producing power and providing reliable defense. After weeks of swirling rumors linking them to nearly every available infielder on the market, the Sox opted for a player who may not have been the flashiest name out there, but fits a clear need - especially with the continued uncertainty around Triston Casas at first base.
Contreras, who transitioned to first base full-time last season with the Cardinals, gives Boston a steady presence at a position that’s been in flux since 2023. His bat brings some much-needed pop to a lineup that’s been searching for consistent run production, and his ability to hold down the corner defensively adds stability to an infield that’s seen its share of turnover.
But Contreras might not be the only addition. There’s still buzz around Boston making another move before Opening Day. Alex Bregman has been the name most frequently floated, though some fans - and even a few insiders - have continued to dream about a blockbuster for Arizona’s Ketel Marte.
Now, let’s be clear: Marte isn’t a simple trade target. He’s under contract through 2030, and the Diamondbacks aren’t exactly eager to move him.
According to reports, Arizona would want a haul in return - specifically young, major league-ready talent. That’s where things get complicated for Boston.
Ken Rosenthal reported that Arizona’s asking price centered on players who could contribute immediately, and that might’ve been the tipping point. Bob Nightengale has suggested that the Red Sox may now be backing off the Marte pursuit in the wake of the Contreras deal, though nothing’s set in stone.
To meet Arizona’s demands, Boston likely would’ve had to part with arms like Connelly Early or Payton Tolle - two pitchers who are knocking on the door of the big leagues. There was also chatter that Arizona had eyes on Marcelo Mayer, Boston’s prized infield prospect, as a potential centerpiece to replace Marte in their lineup. If that’s true, it’s easy to see why the Red Sox would hesitate.
Boston has been calculated this offseason, dealing from areas of depth rather than mortgaging the future. After landing Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo - and with two strong drafts under Craig Breslow’s leadership - the Sox suddenly have a surplus of pitching talent. But even with that depth, parting with both Early and Tolle would sting, especially considering Gray is only signed for one year and other arms have already been moved.
The infield, meanwhile, has lost some of its flexibility. The Red Sox are still feeling the effects of Bregman opting out and the bold decision to trade Rafael Devers.
If Arizona’s asking price for Marte really does include Mayer, Boston may not be willing to go there. Not only would that leave them thin at third base, but combining the salaries of Contreras and Marte could also price them out of the Bregman sweepstakes altogether.
There’s also a potential ripple effect. If Boston were to pursue Bo Bichette instead of Marte, it’s possible Mayer would slide into the third base role - a more natural fit within the organization’s long-term vision.
That’s not something the front office would take lightly. Mayer has been one of the cornerstones of Boston’s recent prospect push, part of the much-hyped “Big Three” that reached the majors last year.
He’s not just a top-tier talent - he’s a symbol of the franchise’s rebuild and a player they’ve invested years into developing.
It’s worth noting that while the Sox didn’t hesitate to trade Kyle Teel to land Garrett Crochet, Marte presents a different kind of risk. He’s older, and there have been whispers about clubhouse friction in his past. That’s no small detail for a team that just moved on from Devers partly due to concerns about leadership and locker room dynamics.
In the end, the Marte deal may have been too rich - and too risky - for Boston to justify. Contreras fills a need without gutting the farm.
Marte would’ve cost them a chunk of their future, and possibly disrupted the culture they’re trying to rebuild. Early, Tolle, Mayer - all could play a role in 2025 or shortly thereafter.
Trading them for a player with a complex profile, even one as talented as Marte, might’ve been a swing Boston wasn’t ready to take.
As the offseason continues, keep an eye on how the Red Sox navigate the rest of the market. They’ve already made one savvy move. Whether they go big again - or stay the course - will say a lot about how they view their competitive window heading into 2026.