The Red Sox have been anything but quiet this offseason. With names like Ranger Suárez, Johan Oviedo, Sonny Gray, and Willson Contreras joining the roster, Boston has clearly been aggressive in reshaping its roster. But while they’ve added plenty of talent, the departure of Alex Bregman to the Cubs left a noticeable gap in the infield-one that still hasn’t been fully addressed.
Interestingly, though, the latest buzz around the Red Sox isn't about filling that infield hole. Instead, the front office appears to be shifting its focus to the outfield-specifically, to a right-handed bat that can handle left-handed pitching. And that’s where Starling Marte enters the conversation.
According to reports, Boston is showing interest in Marte, a veteran outfielder who’s spent time with the Mets and Pirates and brings a track record of production from the right side of the plate. At 37, Marte isn’t the All-Star force he once was, but he’s still got something left in the tank-and more importantly, he fits a very specific need.
In 2025, Marte posted a .270 average and a .745 OPS over 98 games with the Mets. He also notched a 1.0 bWAR season-not eye-popping, but certainly respectable for a player in a part-time role.
Where he really stands out, though, is against left-handed pitching. His .733 OPS in those matchups was the best among the remaining right-handed outfielders on the market, making him a natural fit for a team looking to bolster its lineup balance.
Over his 14-year MLB career, Marte has built a strong résumé: a .781 OPS, 1,639 hits, 163 home runs, and a league-leading 55 triples among active players. That kind of experience and production doesn’t just vanish overnight. And while he’s no longer a centerpiece player, his ability to contribute in a platoon or depth role makes him an intriguing option for Boston.
The Red Sox outfield is already packed with young talent-Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Roman Anthony are all in the mix. But the departure of Rob Refsnyder, who filled a similar role last season and is now with the Mariners, leaves a void for a right-handed bat off the bench. Marte could slide into that spot seamlessly, offering veteran presence and a solid approach at the plate, especially when facing southpaws.
For Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and the Red Sox front office, this isn’t about making a splash-it’s about rounding out the roster with a piece that makes the team more complete. Marte wouldn’t be asked to carry the offense, but in the right role, he could be a valuable contributor, especially in matchups where Boston needs a righty bat to do some damage.
It’s a move that makes sense on paper-and given the Red Sox’s calculated approach this winter, don’t be surprised if Marte ends up in a Boston uniform before long.