What we’re hearing about Red Sox at Winter Meetings on Ketel Marte, surprising trade talks & more
ORLANDO — While discussions are still at an early stage, the Red Sox and Diamondbacks have had trade talks centered on infielder Ketel Marte, an industry source confirmed at the Winter Meetings on Monday.
The Diamondbacks aren’t intent on moving Marte, a three-time All-Star. But in need of starting pitching and perhaps eager to reduce the payroll, the Diamondbacks have made it known that they’re at least willing to listen to offers for Marte.
Marte, 32, is regarded as one of the best all-around second basemen in the game and would provide the Red Sox with additional pop for their lineup while also upgrading the middle infield defense. For his career, Marte has an .823 OPS and has posted an OPS in excess of .900 three times in the last seven seasons.
He hit a career-best 36 homers in 2024 and added 28 last year. A switch-hitter, Marte puts the ball in play with a career strikeout ratio of 15.9%, well below the league average.
To date, the talks have included some exchanges of names by the two teams with Arizona intent on acquiring controllable starting pitching, preferably with some major league experience.
The Red Sox are suddenly flush with major league arms. After the acquisitions of Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, the team has more starting pitching candidates than most and could afford to move one or two arms.
The source cautioned that no deal is close and estimated that the Red Sox are, at the same time, conducting trade talks with “three or four other” teams in an effort to improve their roster.
Marte is due another $101 million over the next five seasons. However, because Major League Baseball calculates the CBT (competitive balance tax) value of a deal over the course of an entire contract, Marte’s CBT charge would be less. Additionally, $46 million is deferred, lowering the CBT hit further.
That’s a far more modest number than some of the top free agents on the market are likely to command. Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso, both of whom interest the Red Sox, figure to make in excess of $30 million annually and the same can be said of Alex Bregman, another Boston target.
If there are red flags associated with Marte, they center around his durability and some off-field issues. Over the last five seasons, he’s played in more than 140 games just once.
Last year, Marte attracted the wrath of teammates when, following a break-in at his Scottsdale home, he returned home to the Dominican Republic at the All-Star break and missed the first three games of the first half before rejoining the team. Marte later apologized to teammates for his absence. Some teammates were also unhappy that he occasionally asked Arizona manager Torey Lovullo for days off.
It’s likely the Red Sox would conduct a thorough background check on Marte should talks advance.
Teel a target?
A year ago at the Winter Meetings, the Red Sox parted with catching prospect Kyle Teel as the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade that netted them ace Garrett Crochet. In an ironic twist, Teel is once again a trade candidate this winter after debuting in 2025 — and the Red Sox have shown at least some interest in bringing him back.
Re-acquiring Teel is easier said than done for the Red Sox, especially because Chicago might demand a very high price to effectively undo a major deal that altered the futures of both clubs. But because the White Sox have two young catchers in Teel and Edgar Quero, they’re entertaining the possibility of trading one. The Red Sox inquired about a reunion during the summer.
Nothing is close now. The White Sox are seen as more likely to deal Quero than Teel, who hit .273 with eight homers, 11 doubles, 35 RBIs and a .786 OPS in 78 major league games. The Red Sox are said to be open-minded to catching additions even after Carlos Narváez’s strong rookie year.
Schwarber might hold key to market
Agents and executives in Orlando believe Kyle Schwarber may be the next big domino to fall with the Phillies and others in a holding pattern waiting for that dam to break. There’s obviously widespread interest in Schwarber, who is weighing a high-priced return to the Phillies against suitors including the Red Sox, Mets, Reds and Pirates.
There’s also a feeling the Dave Dombrowski-led Phillies could pivot quickly if their incumbent free agents like Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto choose to head elsewhere.
Refsnyder market taking shape
There has long been mutual interest in a reunion between the Red Sox and veteran outfielder Rob Refsnyder, who has become one of the club’s leaders in recent years. That doesn’t mean Refsnyder’s re-signing is a guarantee, though, even after the Red Sox traded right-handed outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia to the Pirates late last week.
Refsnyder has a healthy market that includes other American League contenders who are expected to push for his services. The expectation, according to a league source, is that the 34-year-old might even be in play for a two-year deal. Boston is prioritizing bigger bats but could still use Refsnyder as a lefty-mashing fourth outfielder. They’re not alone in seeing his value.
Refsnyder’s value as a clubhouse leader shouldn’t be overlooked, especially given the Red Sox aren’t certain that Alex Bregman will return.
“No doubt, both of those guys were leaders in the clubhouse, leaders on the field,” said Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, “and had a profound impact on the development of some of the younger players in terms of preparation and understanding what it’s like to play in this market and how to prepare every day.
“So I think we need to be mindful of any potential leadership void that may exist. That said, I also think there’s the opportunity for guys like Trevor (Story) to further step up. And I think there’s an opportunity for some of younger guys to step up. I think at some point we’re going to see someone like Roman (Anthony) emerge as a leader in the clubhouse. That may be a lot to ask of a 21-year-old in his second season.
“But I think we saw last year how much the impact of some of those veteran voices could have on our young players and we’ll be mindful of that as we build a roster this year.”
Rule 5 targets emerge
The Red Sox protected three young pitchers from Rule 5 eligibility by putting Shane Drohan, David Sandlin and Tyler Uberstine on the 40-man roster last month. That doesn’t mean they will avoid having any arms poached in the Rule 5 draft, which is set for Wednesday afternoon.
One rival evaluator identified lefty Hayden Mullins, who had a 2.21 ERA in 101 ⅔ innings across High-A Salem and Double-A Portland in 2025, as the most likely Red Sox player to be picked. Righty Yordanny Monegro, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, is another candidate. Allan Castro and Jedixson Paez have outside chances to be selected.
Early switches agents
After a strong major league debut, Red Sox rookie lefty Connelly Early made an agent switch. He has hired Excel Sports Management to represent him, according to multiple sources. That’s the same firm that has fellow lefty Payton Tolle.
Free agent reliever Steven Matz, who spent the final two months of the year in Boston, also switched agencies, with a source noting he hired VC Sports Group to represent him in his latest go-around on the open market.
