Bold claim first: the Red Sox are still chasing a big bat, and the trade rumors aren’t cooling off anytime soon. Boston’s top baseball executive, Craig Breslow, is pressing ahead on a wing-in-waiting approach to strengthen the lineup, with buzz linking the club to some of the market’s best hitters.
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte remains a target on the trade board, as does St. Louis first baseman Willson Contreras, per The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey. On paper, the Red Sox and the D-backs appear to be a natural fit, offering a compelling match of needs and potential value.
Marte would bring elite right-handed power and speed, delivering about 28 homers in 124 games last season while delivering solid defense up the middle. His contract stretches through his age-37 season, but it’s structured in a way that wouldn’t derail the roster if performance dips late in the deal, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe.
Among interested parties, the Red Sox join the Blue Jays and Mariners, with Marte’s no-trade clause covering five clubs. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand notes the teams that can block a deal include the Athletics, Yankees, Pirates, Giants, and Cardinals, which keeps Boston in a crowded and competitive marketplace.
Marte is a three-time All-Star with two Silver Slugger awards and a track record of at least 25 homers in each of the past three seasons. He posted a career-high 36 homers and 95 RBIs in 2024, and he finished 2024 with strong MVP voting; in 2025, he ranked 22nd in MVP voting. This trajectory makes him an appealing risk-reward option for a team looking to add immediate offense.
Turning to Willson Contreras, The Athletic’s Katie Woo discussed Boston’s strong interest in the veteran catcher, who has also spent time at first base and in the corner outfield spots over a decade in the majors. While no deal is imminent, the connection between the clubs is notable, and observers should watch these discussions over the coming days.
Contreras is 33, a three-time All-Star, and a proven source of power, delivering at least 20 homers in four of the last five seasons. In 2025 he set a personal-best with 80 RBIs, underscoring his value as a run producer.
After missing out on Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso in free agency, Boston could view either Marte or Contreras as a remedy for the team’s power void. These acquisitions would also act as a financial and strategic hedge should the Red Sox decide not to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman, who remains a talking point in offseason coverage.
Bottom line: Boston appears committed to pursuing a marquee bat to elevate the lineup, with Marte and Contreras standing out as the most plausible, high-impact options on the market. Whether one or both come to fruition will hinge on trade terms, the Red Sox’s willingness to navigate blocked-trade dynamics, and how aggressively Breslow chooses to push in the next phase of this winter’s player market.
