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Brayan Bello #66 of the Boston Red Sox
Do the Red Sox need to make a meaningful trade to help improve their infield? The main concern for the Red Sox coming into this season was the team’s infield depth, and after trading for Caleb Durbin and signing Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the problem is not solved.
Caleb Durbin is off to a very poor start, Trevor Story can’t hit the broad side of a barn, and Marcelo Mayer has seen reps at second base, but he may not be ready for everyday at-bats yet. So, let the speculation commence.
A recent MLB mock trade pitch by SI.com’s Ethen Hutton proposes that the Red Sox should link with the Arizona Diamondbacks for 3x All-Star infielder Ketel Marte in a deal that would offload starter Brayan Bello, Connelly Early, and prospect Justin Gonzalez.
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Red Sox Trade Idea Offloads Brayan Bello for Ketel Marte
GettyST LOUIS, MISSOURI – APRIL 12: Brayan Bello #66 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on April 12, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images)
Ketel Marte is tied to a six-year, $105 million contract.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale has floated around in past months that the Diamondbacks may be willing to move on from Marte, and the Red Sox immediately stand out as a top destination.
Hutton of SI.com explains why this hypothetical trade idea could work for both parties:
“In the proposed mock trade, the Diamondbacks move Marte to Boston for a pair of starting pitchers and a promising outfield prospect. Arizona has a dire need for depth within the bullpen, a void that’s filled in the deal. Brayan Bello is a reliable veteran arm on the mound, while Connelly Early is a highly touted prospect that’s flashed tremendous value early in his major league career. Justin Gonzales is a developmental piece who could offer long-term upside as he continues his ascent. ”
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Would the Red Sox Say Yes to This Trade Idea?
There’s no doubt this trade idea would greatly benefit the Red Sox’ offense, especially with all the struggles in the infield.
However, the Diamondbacks would likely veto this deal. Unless Arizona really struggles into June/July, Ketel Marte is likely staying put.
This is, however, a solid trade package in terms of production being sent to each team. Trading for Marte would likely net a big return for Arizona, but it’s just a matter of if GM Mike Hazen actually wants to let him go, which would signal that the Dbacks don’t want to compete this season.
As for Brayan Bello being the centerpiece of this deal, his name will likely be floated around as trade bait as the season progresses. Boston has quality starters at the top of the rotation, and Bello’s shaky start may have the Red Sox questioning his role in the rotation. In three starts this season, Bello has an ERA of 6.14 in 14.2 innings.
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