The MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando are once again heating up as teams begin strategic discussions to shape their rosters for the upcoming season. One of the central narratives emerging from the meetings involves the Arizona Diamondbacks and their All-Star second baseman, Ketel Marte.
Three years ago, the Diamondbacks were entrenched in discussions over outfielder Daulton Varsho, culminating in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays just days before Christmas. A similar situation appears to be unfolding with Marte, although this potential move may involve more complexities. Rival executives describe the Diamondbacks’ asking price for Marte as akin to a “superstar-type return,” which suggests a high level of expectation from Arizona’s front office.
Marte, who is 32 years old, is under contract for $102.5 million over the next six seasons, a deal that many in the industry view as reasonable, particularly considering that $41 million of that total is deferred until 10 years after he earns it. Any team looking to acquire Marte will want assurance that he will fit into their clubhouse culture, especially given past concerns. Reports indicate that some of Marte’s teammates had issues with him last season, particularly after a personal crisis involving a burglary at his Scottsdale home. This incident led to Marte missing the first three games post-All-Star break, leaving the team poised in a precarious position. The Diamondbacks struggled following his return, ending up as sellers by the trade deadline.
Marte later expressed his frustration over the burglary and acknowledged its impact on his performance and demeanor. While some players, including Manager Torey Lovullo and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, defended him publicly, chatter around his tendency to take games off created a narrative that teams may be wary of. In the last five seasons, Marte has only played more than 140 games once.
As the offseason progresses, teams are assessing their interest in Marte, with the Boston Red Sox emerging as a potential suitor among several unnamed clubs. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, are keen on acquiring young pitching talent to support their roster, particularly in light of injuries affecting key pitchers, including staff ace Corbin Burnes.
The Diamondbacks find themselves in a unique position where trading Marte could provide financial relief while also allowing them to inject fresh talent into the team. Although there is no immediate pressure to make a trade, a deadline looms; after the tenth day of the 2026 season, Marte will gain full no-trade protection due to his service time.
In contrast, the Red Sox appear to be pursuing multiple avenues this winter. While veteran third baseman Alex Bregman stands out as their primary target, they are exploring various options that range from high-profile trades to free agency. Discussions reportedly include interest in other players such as Pete Alonso and Bo Bichette.
Among those the Red Sox are considering is Houston Astros’ Isaac Paredes, who would bring additional controllable years to the lineup. The Astros, too, are aggressively exploring trade opportunities and have shown interest in bolstering their pitching staff, eyeing left-handed prospects from the Red Sox in the process.
On another front, the Kansas City Royals made headlines by re-signing second baseman Jonathan India to a surprising one-year, $8 million deal, despite his modest performance last season. This decision reflects the Royals’ ongoing search for offensive capability and their belief in India’s potential for a bounce-back year.
As trade negotiations intensify and free-agent signings dominate conversations, teams are navigating a landscape that demands both strategic foresight and a readiness to pivot as market conditions change. The coming days of the winter meetings promise to unveil more developments as clubs jockey for position ahead of the 2026 season.
