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:

• It provides insurance if Bregman walks.
• It creates flexibility to slide Marcelo Mayer to third base.
• It allows 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