Red Sox among teams interested in acquiring Ketel Marte, according to reports

BOSTON. – The Dominican second baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ketel Marte, continues to be one of the most impactful names in the trade market this offseason, and several teams have shown interest in acquiring the three-time All-Star. Among them are the Boston Red Sox, according to a report by Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

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Similarly, Bob Nightengale, from USA Today, reported that both the Tampa Bay Rays and the Detroit Tigers have “inquired” about the availability of the star ambidextrous player.

A talent coveted for its recent production

Marte, 32, signed a six-season, $116.5 million extension in April, with an opt-out clause after 2030 and a player option for 2031 valued at $11.5 million. His contract, with an average annual value of $19.4 million, is considered affordable for a player who has recorded elite numbers in the last two campaigns.

In that period, Mars adds:

64 home runs
.913 OPS
Two Silver Slugger Awards
10.9 WAR according to FanGraphs (ninth among position players)
149 wRC+ (sixth best in MLB)

Arizona will listen to offers, but the price will be high

The Diamondbacks urgently need to reinforce their pitching, and a trade for Marte could open up that possibility. General Manager Mike Hazen has reiterated that he is willing to listen to proposals, although the organization will demand significant compensation in exchange for the Dominican. Furthermore, Marte possesses rights 10 and 5, which gives him the power to veto any trade. That, along with the high price demanded by Arizona, makes a trade in this offseason considered unlikely, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. Even so, the interest from teams like the Red Sox, Rays, and Tigers confirms that Marte is one of the most attractive pieces available this winter.