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Ketel Marte’s name has been brought up in trade rumors this offseason, and the Diamondbacks appear set on a return package for the infielder.
“The Diamondbacks want young pitching in return,” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal said on “Foul Territory.” “They aren’t going to trade him, I believe, unless they get that young pitching. But he’s a guy that they are seemingly motivated to move because of that 10-and-5 rights that kick in with him.”
Marte will have 10 years of MLB service time and five consecutive seasons with the Diamondbacks in 2026. Should he remain in Arizona when that kicks in, he’ll have full trade protection.
The Red Sox have been linked to Marte for the last few weeks. MassLive’s Sean McAdam and Chris Cotillo reported Boston and the Diamondbacks have engaged in trade talks for the infielder, though Arizona is not “intent on moving Marte.”
The Red Sox have plenty of young pitchers with control who have major league experience. By acquiring Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, Boston has more starting pitchers than spots in the rotation.
Marte has a five-team no-trade list, which reportedly doesn’t include the Red Sox but does include the New York Yankees.
Marte would provide the Red Sox with some offensive pop as a switch-hitter while upgrading the defense in the middle infield.
If the Red Sox were to acquire him, however, they would need to decide where Marcelo Mayer fits. He could play third, but that’s assuming Bregman doesn’t re-sign in Boston.