The Red Sox went into this offseason with a clear plan: shore up the infield, especially at third base, and they had their eyes on some big names. One of those names was Ketel Marte-a versatile, switch-hitting infielder with postseason pedigree and the kind of bat that could slot in nicely in the middle of Boston’s lineup.
Marte was viewed as a strong fallback option in case the Sox missed out on Alex Bregman. And when Bregman ultimately signed with the Cubs, it looked like Marte might be next on Boston’s radar.
But that door has officially closed.
The Arizona Diamondbacks made it clear they’re pulling Marte off the trade block. According to GM Mike Hazen, no team came close to matching what Arizona would’ve needed to even consider a deal.
And while some in Boston were holding out hope that the recent addition of Ranger Suárez might give the Sox enough pitching depth to tempt the D-backs, that idea appears dead in the water. A major league source with knowledge of Arizona’s plans says the Marte talks are “firmly shut.”
So now, the Red Sox are pivoting-and fast. The trade market is still their best bet for adding infield help, and one name is gaining traction: Isaac Paredes.
Paredes, currently with the Astros, checks a few important boxes for Boston. He’s a right-handed bat, which would bring some much-needed balance to a lineup that’s leaned heavily left in recent years.
He’s also a classic pull hitter, and his swing is tailor-made for Fenway Park. All 20 of his home runs last season went out to left field-a stat that should make Red Sox fans think about how many of those would’ve clanged off or cleared the Green Monster.
Beyond the power, Paredes brings a solid approach at the plate. He finished 2025 in the top quarter of the league in walk rate, chase rate, and whiff rate, while also ranking in the 74th percentile in strikeout rate. That’s a profile that fits well with Boston’s offensive philosophy: smart, patient hitters who can do damage when they get their pitch.
But it’s not a perfect fit.
Defensively, Paredes is a step down from what the Sox ideally want at third. He posted -3 Outs Above Average and -4 Defensive Runs Saved last season.
That’s a concern, especially considering Boston just moved on from Rafael Devers in part to improve their infield defense. So bringing in another below-average glove at the hot corner feels like a step backward in that department.
But at this point in the offseason, with few impact options left on the board, Boston may not have the luxury of being too selective.
From Houston’s perspective, Paredes is a bit of a square peg in a round hole. He’s capable of being an everyday player, but with Carlos Correa, Jeremy Peña, and Jose Altuve locked into the infield, there’s not much room for him. That makes him a logical trade chip-especially if the Astros are looking to add pitching or outfield depth.
The Red Sox are still exploring other possibilities. Eugenio Suárez remains unsigned and could be a fallback if a trade doesn’t materialize. But if Boston wants to make a move via trade-and all signs point to that being the preferred route-Paredes is emerging as the most realistic option to fill their third base vacancy.
It’s not the splashiest move, and it won’t solve every issue on the roster. But with Marte off the table and the market thinning out, Isaac Paredes might just be the best available answer.