MLB Notebook: Red Sox enter Winter Meetings with momentum — and eyes on Ketel Marte

Sunday marks the unofficial start of Major League Baseball’s annual Winter Meetings, where everything from blockbuster trades to hallway “accidental” agent–reporter run-ins tends to unfold. For the Red Sox, it’s the most pivotal week of their offseason — and they arrive in Orlando with substantial momentum and even more work ahead.

Boston has already taken major steps toward remaking its rotation, acquiring right-handers Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo. But the next phase of the club’s winter blueprint appears to be focused squarely on the infield — and specifically on Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte.

A Real Second Baseman at Last?

The Red Sox have cycled through a revolving door at second base over the last few years. Marte would end that immediately. The 11-year veteran has been one of baseball’s most complete offensive players since 2023, posting back-to-back All-Star seasons in ’24 and ’25 and slashing .283/.376/.517 with 28 homers last year.

His contract — six years, $116.5 million — is widely viewed as team-friendly, especially compared to what Alex Bregman could command on the open market. Defensively, Marte remains reliable, ranking in the 74th percentile in range among second basemen.

But the Diamondbacks aren’t expected to move him cheaply.

Arizona is listening on Marte, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale and the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, but the price is pitching — and lots of it. With Zac Gallen hitting free agency and Corbin Burnes recovering from Tommy John surgery, the D-backs need arms now.

For the first time in years, the Red Sox can actually deal from strength. Boston could enter 2026 with a rotation mix of:

• Garrett Crochet
• Sonny Gray
• Brayan Bello
• Johan Oviedo
• Patrick Sandoval
• Kutter Crawford
• Connelly Early
• Payton Tolle
• Kyle Harrison
• Hunter Dobbins
• David Sandlin

One or two from that group could headline a Marte package — unless Craig Breslow opts for creativity.

Kristian Campbell?

There’s been no reporting tying Boston’s young, versatile player to trade talks. But rival executives have long wondered whether Campbell, if signed to a team-friendly long-term extension, could soften the cost for a controllable All-Star.

Triston Casas?

Another name that has made the rumor rounds. Casas won’t be ready for Opening Day, and if Boston signs a first baseman like Pete Alonso, Casas could theoretically become trade bait. The hesitation: moving him now represents selling at his lowest value.

If Marte Arrives, What’s Next?

Landing Marte would reshape the roster instantly providing insurance if Bregman walks as a free agent. It also creates flexibility to slide Marcelo Mayer to third base, and it'll allow the front office to pivot fully to first base.

Boston continues to be linked heavily to Alonso. MassLive’s Chris Cotillo has repeatedly connected the Sox to Rays slugger Yandy Díaz, a high-OBP hitter who posted 25 HR, 29 doubles, 83 RBIs and a 136 OPS+ last season.

Diaz lacks Alonso’s raw power but remains one of the most disciplined and productive hitters in the league.

Restocking the System — or Reinforcing the Rotation

If acquiring Marte costs the Red Sox significant prospect capital, one way to replenish the farm would be to move Jarren Duran. With elite speed, power, athleticism, and team control through 2029, Duran is precisely the kind of player rebuilding clubs covet.

Boston also remains tied to Royals left-hander Cole Ragans, who broke out as one of the AL’s most electric starters last year. Kansas City is reluctant to part with Ragans — or with Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha — but would listen if the Sox made a substantial offer. The Royals want a right-handed hitting outfielder, a need Boston could theoretically address if they pivot off Duran or package other pieces.

A trio of Crochet, Gray, and Ragans would instantly give Boston one of the most formidable tops of a rotation in the American League.

Twins ace Joe Ryan remains the fan-favorite dream acquisition, but Minnesota insists he’s not available. That could easily be posturing, but unless the Twins truly get an offer that “knocks their socks off,” Boston may have to look elsewhere.

The Red Sox enter the Winter Meetings with a rare combination of payroll flexibility (unless you ask John Henry), prospect capital, rotation depth, and clear positional needs. Marte represents their cleanest fit and most straightforward upgrade.

Now comes the question that has shaped many a Winter Meetings before: How bold will Boston get in Orlando?

A Defining Week Ahead

The Hot Stove is heating up fast, turning Orlando into the center of baseball’s offseason universe. Fans eagerly anticipate a blockbuster trade or free agent signing that will establish their team as a dominant force by 2026. 

How the free agent market has shaped up so far:

• Dylan Cease to Blue Jays: seven years, $210 million

• Josh Naylor to Mariners: five years, $90 million

• Devin Williams to Mets: three years, $51 million

• Cody Ponce to Blue Jays: three years, $30 million

• Ryan Helsley to Orioles: two years, $28 million

Kyle Tucker, OF

One of the most coveted names on the open market is Tucker, and he’s been linked with the American League champs, the Blue Jays. Tucker was at the Blue Jays' complex in Florida on Wednesday. Two other AL East teams—the Yankees and Orioles—were also tied to the slugger. The Cubs fully expect Tucker to leave in free agency, with young players like Owen Cassie and Moisés Ballesteros ready to contribute at the big league level. Tucker would be a massive addition to any of the three AL East rivals rumored to be vying for his services.

Alex Bregman, 3B

If Tucker leaves, the Cubs could pivot and make a run at Bregman. The veteran third baseman will have a strong market, with the Red Sox being the leading candidate to retain him. In the event that Bregman leaves, Boston is expanding its search across the league, but the Cubs and even the Tigers could be serious contenders. The Tigers were in on him before he signed with Boston last February.

Kyle Schwarber, DH

Boston loves Schwarber. The problem with that is that other teams around the league feel the same way. The Orioles, Giants, Pirates, Phillies, and Red Sox all seem to be involved. The Reds are a dark horse candidate with the veteran slugger, who hails from nearby Middletown, Ohio. His left-handed power and veteran leadership is exactly what Terry Francona needs for his young team playing in front of the fans at Great American Ball Park.

Bo Bichette, SS

Bichette is another option for the Red Sox if they miss out on Bregman. A reunion with the Blue Jays isn't guaranteed, and if he were willing to move to second base, his options around baseball would expand. One Red Sox tidbit that really doesn’t mean much, but it came from the great Peter Gammons on X: Bichette’s parents met in Boston when his father, Dante, played for the Red Sox.

The two-time All-Star hit .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and a .840 OPS this past season, helping him earn MVP votes for the fourth time in the last five years.

MLBTradeRumors predicted that Bichette would land a massive payday, signing a potential eight-year, $208-million contract this offseason.

MORE FROM AROUND THE MLB

The Nationals’ Paul Toboni made his first significant trade as the leader of Washington’s front office, landing Mariners’ top-100 prospect in catcher Harry Ford and right-handed pitching prospect Isaac Lyon.

Seattle acquired Jose A. Ferrer, a left-handed reliever, with the expectation that he would serve as Washington's closer in 2026.

Ford has long been believed to be a big part of the team's longer-term plans. Seattle has Cal Raleigh behind the dish, and with this trade only has one catcher on their 40-man roster in Raleigh. Mitch Garver is a free agent and not expected back with the Mariners.

Ferrer, 25, saw his role expand last summer after the Nationals traded Kyle Finnegan. The Dominican Republic native racked up 11 saves and compiled a 4.48 ERA.

Ford was the Mariners’ top selection in 2021 as the club was emerging from its rebuild. Raleigh blossomed into a superstar, making Ford expendable.

The Washington Nationals are telling teams to make an offer for starter MacKenzie Gore and shortstop C.J. Abrams. Toboni could add more top prospects to his organization as he looks to build a new era of Nationals baseball.

The Miami Marlins are planning to spend money this offseason. This is shocking considering the club has quietly gone about their rebuild in South Florida by making savvy trades and barely handing out big league contracts.

Outfielder Kyle Stowers could land a contract extension, allowing the Marlins to say they spent money. Miami could deal from their pitching depth, telling teams that ace Sandy Alcantara is unavailable, but starter Edward Cabrera is available.

The Cardinals are shopping Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado, super utilityman Brendan Donovan, infielder Nolan Gorman, and to first baseman Willson Contreras.

Free agent pitchers Framber Valdez, Tatsuya Imai, Ranger Suarez, Michael King, Zac Gallen, and Merrill Kelly could all find homes by the end of the Winter Meetings in Orlando.

Jeff Kent was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, as revealed by the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee on Sunday night. Kent received 14 of a possible 16 votes from the Era Committee, making him the only candidate of the eight considered to cross the 75% (12 of 16) threshold needed for induction to Cooperstown.

Carlos Delgado was the next-closest candidate with nine votes, and Dale Murphy and Don Mattingly each received six votes. 

Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Gary Sheffield, and Fernando Valenzuela each received less than five votes. They will be ineligible for consideration until 2031. This committee will vote on Bonds into the Hall of Fame when he reaches the age of 67.

In addition to wanting to keep Ryan in Minnesota, the Twins aren’t planning to trade Byron Buxton or Pablo Lopez. The Twins had an aggressive teardown of their roster during the summer and were wildly expected to move other veteran players.

Despite being the two highest-paid players on the team, Buxton and López remain attractive to other contending clubs. Buxton is signed through 2028 and López through 2027. Ryan isn’t expensive, as he’s still in his arbitration season. Minnesota will likely listen to offers and should pull the trigger on a deal that yields the greatest return.

Over the last week, the Mets have been linked to Ryan and reportedly could trade starter Jonah Tong in a swap. Last season, the young hurler made five starts for the Mets and posted a 7.71 ERA over 18 2/3 innings. He was excellent in the minors last season, splitting time with both Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse before his call-up. In total, Tong had a 1.43 ERA, 179 strikeouts, and 47 walks in 113 2/3 innings.

The Royals are interested in a reunion with outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. Kansas City acquired him from the Giants last summer and is in the market for another outfielder, particularly a right-handed hitter. Yastrzemski doesn’t fit that mold, and they could turn their attention to Reds free agent outfielder Austin Hays. The 30-year-old left fielder hit .266 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs in 103 games with Cincy in 2025.