Red Sox Predicted To Trade For Three-Time All-Star Infielder Amid Rumors

The Boston Red Sox have been aggressive on the pitching side of things this offseason, but it could be time for them to focus on the position player market.

The Red Sox could be looking to add some power to the lineup after ranking 15th in home runs last season, and ranking 28th in homers after Aug. 1. There are some elite power hitters available on the open market, but perhaps trading for a slugger is also in play.

The Red Sox have reportedly already checked in on Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks, as the Diamondbacks shop him. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer predicted the Red Sox would swing a trade for Marte at the winter meetings.

Marte is a three-time All-Star and has been named an All-Star in each of the last two seasons. Since the start of 2024, he has played in 262 games and has hit 64 home runs. He has won back-to-back Silver Sluggers and would be a great addition for the Red Sox.

For as big an impact as he would have on the field, he would complicate the lineup, at least with how the Red Sox roster currently looks. The Red Sox may already struggle to get Triston Casas, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer in the lineup consistently if Alex Bregman stays. Adding Marte would make it even tougher.

The Red Sox could use the designated hitter spot to get all of their young infielders in the lineup, but they will also need the designated hitter spot to get their surplus of outfielders in the lineup.

Campbell took reps at first base in Triple-A, and he and Casas could both be options there. Campbell has already signed an extension, so the Red Sox view him as an important piece of their future. He could also share second base with Mayer. However, adding Marte would seal the second base spot as well.

Mayer would become a rotational player, seeing time at designated hitter, while Campbell sees time at first base and designated hitter. Marte does not make sense as a positional fit right now, but depending on how the roster changes in the coming weeks, that could change.

Ultimately, the Red Sox’s choice of additions to the offense could come down to where Bregman signs. If he stays in Boston, the Red Sox could focus more on a player like Kyle Schwarber, who would not need a spot in the field.

Given that Boston’s top priority is reportedly Bregman, their offseason plan may revolve around the assumption that he will be playing third base for them next year. In that case, Marte does not make much sense.