The Boston Red Sox are exploring a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte to stabilize their infield after missing out on Pete Alonso. Marte, a three-time All-Star, brings versatility and a team-friendly contract amid ongoing trade discussions. His limited no-trade list does not include Boston.
The Boston Red Sox face a familiar challenge at second base, a position plagued by instability since Manny Machado's 2017 spike injured Dustin Pedroia. A rotating cast of players, including Ian Kinsler, Trevor Story, and Vaughn Grissom, has failed to provide consistency. With Pete Alonso signing a five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is turning to trade talks for Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte.
Marte, a 32-year-old switch-hitter, posted a .283/.376/.517 slash line last season despite a left hamstring injury, with 28 doubles, 28 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 4.4 bWAR. Two seasons prior, he hit 36 homers and earned 6.8 bWAR, ranking sixth among second basemen with eight Outs Above Average in 2024. He is a three-time All-Star and the 2023 National League Championship Series MVP.
Marte's contract runs through 2030 with salaries of $15 million, $20 million, $22 million, $22 million, and $22 million, offering value. He has a limited no-trade clause excluding five teams: Athletics, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and St. Louis Cardinals, per MLB insider Ken Rosenthal. Boston is not on the list, though Marte gains 10-and-5 veto rights early in 2026.
Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen is listening to offers but faces roster holes in the bullpen, first base, and outfield. Recent signing of Merrill Kelly has not deterred trade talks, with speculation of a possible three-team deal. Boston's pitching depth, including Sonny Gray and prospects like Payton Tolle, could facilitate a swap, though Breslow may hesitate to part with outfielders like Jarren Duran or prospects Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell.
Strains in Marte's relationship with Arizona emerged last season due to missed games after the All-Star break, potentially influencing the Diamondbacks' willingness to deal their top second baseman.