The Boston Red Sox have reportedly ended discussions about acquiring Ketel Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to sources familiar with the situation. This development leaves Boston scrambling to fill the offensive gap left by Alex Bregman‘s departure to the Chicago Cubs in free agency.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today suggested on the Foul Territory podcast that the Red Sox might resurrect trade talks for Marte, despite the Diamondbacks’ initial refusal to part ways with their star infielder. However, Arizona insiders have firmly denied any chance of reopening negotiations.
Arizona Firm on Keeping Marte Despite Trade Rumors
During the January 15 broadcast of Burns & Gambo on Arizona Sports, co-host John Gambadoro dismissed the possibility of Boston reengaging in talks for Marte. Based on his conversations with the Diamondbacks, Spartans’ general manager Mike Hazen is unlikely to revisit the idea after explicitly shutting down negotiations with Marte present.
I don’t think that [Diamondbacks general manager] Mike Hazen would have that conversation with Ketel Marte on the phone, and Marte is here now, come in from the Dominican Republic, you meet, ‘OK, we’ve shut the door, we’re moving on,’ and then a week later go back on your word. I don’t think that’s the way Mike Hazen does business.
— John Gambadoro, Co-host of Burns & Gambo
Moreover, Marte’s 10-and-5 rights will activate on April 6, granting him the authority to veto any trade proposals, further complicating any potential move.
Options for the Red Sox to Replace Bregman’s Bat
With the Ketel Marte trade door closed, Boston must explore alternative ways to upgrade their lineup. The Red Sox have already shifted some attention towards acquiring pitcher Ranger Suarez but still face the challenge of filling third base effectively.
The Chicago Cubs, fresh off signing Bregman, are reportedly receiving trade inquiries for infielder Nico Hoerner and prospect Matt Shaw. However, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer appears reluctant to move either player while considering the possibility of testing Shaw in the outfield.
Hoyer added that Matt Shaw could very well see time in the OF. Likened it to when Javier Baez first came up. Not a surprise there. Good athlete. Could spell guys around the diamond (assuming no trade)
— Jesse Rogers, ESPN Reporter
On the free-agent front, Boston’s options seem limited. Shortstop Bo Bichette is regarded as the top remaining infielder on the market but could attract fierce competition, especially from the Philadelphia Phillies. Should the Red Sox fail to secure Bichette, Philly might consider trading for Alec Bohm or Bryson Stott as interim solutions.
Evaluating Potential Free-Agent and Trade Candidates
Eugenio Suarez emerges as a notable free-agent candidate. Suarez was an All-Star in 2025 while splitting time between the Mariners and Diamondbacks, posting a line of .228/.298/.526 with 49 home runs and a 126 OPS+. His offensive style suits Fenway Park’s dimensions, demonstrated by a pulled air rate of 28.6% over the past two seasons when making contact.
Despite his power, Suarez has defensive challenges at third base, reflected by -6 Defensive Runs Saved and -8 Outs Above Average. This defensive inconsistency could be a concern for the Red Sox, who must weigh offense versus positional reliability.
Should Boston pursue the trade market, players like Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals and Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros are intriguing targets. Both players are controllable for a shorter time, which could help the Red Sox focus on developing prospects Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell without immediate roster pressure. However, Campbell’s recent $60 million contract extension adds urgency to integrating him into the lineup soon.
The Road Ahead for Boston’s Roster Construction
With Ketel Marte off the table, the Red Sox face a challenging off-season in securing a dependable bat to replace Alex Bregman. The team’s options are complicated by limited trade flexibility and stiff competition for top free agents like Bo Bichette. Meanwhile, balancing offensive needs with defensive stability will be critical as Boston continues to refine its roster.
How Boston navigates this predicament will significantly influence their competitiveness in the upcoming season, with potential impacts on minor-league talent development plans. The uncertainty surrounding the Marte talks underscores the high stakes the Red Sox face as they work to assemble a balanced and effective lineup.
Even though the D'backs took Ketel Marte off the trade block, @BNightengale finds it hard to believe that door is completely shut to a team like the Red Sox. pic.twitter.com/x6PkeajiCM
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 14, 2026
Hoyer added that Matt Shaw could very well see time in the OF. Likened it to when Javier Baez first came up. Not a surprise there. Good athlete. Could spell guys around the diamond (assuming no trade) https://t.co/Pba72qkrWb
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) January 15, 2026
