The Boston Red Sox have had a hole in their infield at second base for almost a decade now, as the last man to own it was Dustin Pedroia back in 2017. Now, they may have a chance to finally fill it.
Fansided’s Christopher Kline believes the Red Sox could be the top trade suitor for Arizona Diamondbacks three-time All-Star Ketel Marte. The DBacks need pitching, and the Sox have plenty of it.
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“The Arizona Diamondbacks appear increasingly likely to trade Ketel Marte, who’s on one of the best value deals in MLB through 2030. Does that make sense? Not really, but clearly Marte has done something the upset the balance of Arizona’s clubhouse. As for the ideal trade partner, it’s pretty clearly the Red Sox…Arizona wants pitching. Corbin Burnes is coming back from Tommy John surgery, Eduardo Rodríguez has underperformed, Jordan Montgomery was a bust and Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly are free agents. Boston’s moves this winter has given Craig Breslow a surplus of MLB-ready starters to trade, almost as if he’s setting up this exact move. Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, Kutter Crawford — the D-backs can have their pick of the litter,” Kline wrote.
This past season, Marte slashed .283/.376/.517/.893 with 28 doubles, 28 home runs, and 72 RBI in 126 games played. He would do well at second base and finally fill the hole that’s been there for a decade.
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There are a couple of problems with this, however perfect the fit may be. One, the Sox’ division rival, the Tampa Bay Rays, has a rumored trade package that can rival anything the Sox put together. Two, the Sox have stated they don’t believe in long-term deals, and Marte has six-years left on his deal, with a player option for a seventh in his age-37 season.
Overall, this would be a perfect win-now trade to make for the Sox. However, it’s unlikely, as the self-imposed restrictions will probably stop them from making anything happen.
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