The Boston Red Sox appear to be approaching this offseason with caution, especially when it comes to major spending. Their reluctance to make bold moves, seen earlier when they held back from pursuing Pete Alonso before he joined the Orioles, suggests the front office is trying to manage payroll with extra care.
Even so, Boston is still expected to make impactful additions, particularly now that Alex Bregman has opted out of the remaining two years of his contract. His departure leaves a noticeable gap at third base, forcing the team to consider all available options.
Although bringing Bregman back remains possible, the Red Sox do not seem eager to wait indefinitely for his decision. According to reporting from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Boston is actively looking at alternatives to avoid being left without a solution at the hot corner. One name rising quickly to the top of their list is Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte, a player who could dramatically shift the team’s offseason direction.
Nightengale hinted during an appearance on Foul Territory TV that the Red Sox may already be leaning toward pursuing Marte rather than waiting for Bregman to make up his mind. His comments suggested a growing sense within the organization that they need certainty at third base, and waiting on Bregman could limit their opportunities. This mindset appears to be pushing Boston toward exploring a more decisive path involving a trade.
Ketel Marte’s appeal is easy to understand. The three-time All-Star has been one of Arizona’s most dependable and explosive performers, combining reliable defense with impressive power for a middle infielder. Over the last three seasons, he has accumulated an outstanding 15.2 fWAR and launched 89 home runs, proving he can influence games on both sides of the field. His consistency and versatility make him the kind of player capable of transforming a lineup instantly.
However, acquiring a player of Marte’s caliber will come at a substantial cost. Arizona knows his value, and any trade would likely require significant assets in return. Still, with uncertainty surrounding Bregman’s future and the team’s need for stability at third base, the Red Sox may decide the price is worth paying to secure a proven star rather than gamble on waiting too long.
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