yardbarker
According to an analysis by Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut, the Boston Red Sox are expected to target Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte in a trade this offseason. Johnson lists Marte among 10 potential trade candidates for the 2026-27 winter, suggesting Boston could view him as a buy-low opportunity at second base.
The Red Sox's second basemen collectively posted a .673 OPS in 2026, one of the lowest marks in the majors at the position. Marte, now over 30, experienced a decline in production last season, causing his trade value to drop from its peak and making him an intriguing upside play for a contender needing offensive help.
In 2026, Marte hit .249 with 22 home runs and 76 RBIs over 141 games, recording a .748 OPS—a clear regression from his recent form. He batted .292 with 36 homers and a .932 OPS in 2024, followed by a .283 average, 28 home runs, and an .893 OPS in 2025. Despite the dip, Marte remained a productive player overall, generating 2.5 WAR while showing strong underlying metrics such as a high hard-hit rate and above-average exit velocity.
Johnson noted that the Diamondbacks appear ready to move on from Marte given his age and reduced output, creating an opportunity for clubs willing to absorb the risk. Marte's status as a controversial figure stems largely from repeated absences and communication breakdowns with the Diamondbacks over multiple seasons.
In August 2026, Marte failed to report for the first game of a series against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, leading to his placement on the restricted list after he traveled back to Arizona for a knee MRI without informing the team. He was later spotted at a casino while the Diamondbacks played, an appearance teammates described as a slap in the face and rubbing people's noses in it. Manager Torey Lovullo said he felt betrayed by the lack of communication, and team president Derrick Hall stated that Marte had explaining to do after the incident.
This was not an isolated event. Marte drew scrutiny in 2025 for a vacation to the Dominican Republic after the All-Star break that resulted in a restricted-list stint and a public apology, with similar unannounced absences reported in prior years. Anonymous teammates have referred to the pattern as typical Ketel, and Lovullo has indicated he will no longer shield the player from accountability for such decisions.
Marte remains under contract through 2030 with roughly $87.5 million remaining and holds full no-trade protection after reaching 10-and-5 service-time rights, meaning any deal requires his approval. A change of scenery could benefit both sides if Boston is willing to take the chance on a still-talented switch-hitter who has ranked among the game's best second basemen in recent seasons.
Johnson's projection frames Marte as the type of calculated risk a team with clear positional needs, such as the Red Sox, might pursue as the winter trade market develops.
Key Analysis
Marte's situation presents a classic dilemma: his on-field talent is undeniable, but his off-field reliability is questionable. For the Red Sox, acquiring him would address a glaring need at second base, but it would also mean taking on a significant contract and a player with a history of disciplinary issues. The no-trade clause adds another layer of complexity, as Marte would have to approve any deal. If Boston believes a change of scenery can unlock his previous form, this could be a savvy move. However, the risk of further disruptions in the clubhouse cannot be ignored, making this a high-stakes gamble for the front office.
Originally reported by yardbarker.