Why Red Sox could force Diamondbacks to put Ketel Marte back on trade block

Matt Sullivan

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Why Red Sox could force Diamondbacks to put Ketel Marte back on trade block image

The Boston Red Sox are in a very unique position at this point in their offseason plans. They've added three starters, Johan Oviedo, Sonny Gray, and Ranger Suarez, to round out a remarkable rotation.

Now, there's only one clear need for the team this winter: an infielder, specifically, a second baseman or a third baseman. With so many options to move in a trade, the Red Sox have plenty of ammo to swing a trade.

That's why the report from Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic is such an interesting one. The Red Sox, in the wake of the Suarez signing, could force the Arizona Diamondbacks to put Ketel Marte back on the trade block with an offer that's too good to refuse.

Red Sox could force D-Backs to trade Ketel Marte

"(Ken) Rosenthal reported last week that the Arizona Diamondbacks have taken second baseman Ketel Marte off the table," McCaffrey writes. "And while that still may be the case, it may not stop the Red Sox from circling back and offering Arizona Tolle or Early and Duran or Rafaela to reignite conversations."

McCaffrey's point is a good one: the Red Sox have the means to force open trade talks with the Diamondbacks this winter.

Marte is arguably the best second baseman in the Major Leagues, and with his great defense and incredible offense, Marte would be a massive upgrade for the Red Sox.

Peyton Tolle or Connelly Early could be dealt to the Diamondbacks as part of a trade for Marte, with either starter being more than worthy of a return for Arizona.

Add in Jarren Duran or another outfielder, and potentially another prospect or two, and the Red Sox might be able to force the Diamondbacks to trade Marte.

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Boston has plenty of trade ammo with their current roster construction, and if it's willing to part with plenty of valuable assets, a trade might happen.

Of course, the big issue is the Diamondbacks, shortly after taking Marte's name out of the trade market, putting him back on the block.

That wouldn't be a good look for the Diamondbacks. But, if the return is worth it, which the Red Sox would be able to offer, the Diamondbacks might be in a spot where they seriously consider such a trade.

This would be a dream scenario for the Red Sox and would more than make up for losing Bregman. But, such a move isn't likely, even though the Red Sox could offer Arizona a king's ransom for Marte.

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