The Boston Red Sox have already made one impact trade this offseason, acquiring Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals. However, Craig Breslow has noted the team’s desire to add a position player as well.
The Red Sox’s top priority should still be signing Alex Bregman to a new deal to man the hot corner. However, getting another impact bat could help take the Red Sox to the Fall Classic for the first time since 2018.
Free agency has some great options, but there are also some great hitters seemingly on the trade market. On Tuesday, MLB insider Jon Morosi said there’s a 50/50 chance the Arizona Diamondbacks trade Ketel Marte. Should the Red Sox pursue the veteran slugger?
Marte has been in the league for 11 seasons and has been a great player. He is a three-time All-Star, with his last two selections coming in the last two seasons. Last season, he slashed .283/.376/.517 with 28 home runs, winning his second career Silver Slugger.
He is signed to a six-year, $116 million extension, with $92 million and five seasons left. He also has a $11.5 million player option in 2031. While he is a solid player, he is not the best fit for the Red Sox.
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The Red Sox have a crowded infield already. Between Bregman, Marcelo Mayer, Trevor Story and Kristian Campbell, Marte would not have a real fit. He could rotate into the infield mix and also fit in at designated hitter. However, there are better positional fits for the Red Sox to pursue.
Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber would both be better additions and would not complicate the lineup construction for Alex Cora too much. However, both would cost more than Marte.