The Boston Red Sox have continued to surface as one of the most logical destinations for Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ketel Marte over the past several weeks. While some reports have suggested Boston’s interest cooled after the club landed Willson Contreras, the overall fit between the Red Sox and Marte still appears strong. As long as Marte remains with Arizona, the door stays open for Boston to revisit trade talks and potentially strike a deal.
Just Baseball’s Jakob Oliver recently proposed a framework that could benefit both organizations, urging the Red Sox to send young left handed starter Payton Tolle to the Diamondbacks as part of a package for Marte. Oliver believes Tolle would immediately address a major need for Arizona’s rotation. “Tolle would give the D-backs at least six years of control at cost-advantaged rates. Should he reach his potential, he could be their co-ace with Burnes for the next half-decade,” Oliver wrote. He also noted Arizona’s long standing lack of a power lefty starter, adding, “Arizona could use a live-arm left-hander in their rotation, something this team has not had since Randy Johnson.”
From Boston’s perspective, Marte would fill multiple needs. Oliver emphasized Marte’s value to the Red Sox, writing, “Marte, meanwhile, could be the long-term answer at second and the big bat that Boston has been searching for this offseason.” His versatility, switch hitting ability, and team control make him an attractive option for a lineup looking for impact.
A trade centered around Tolle and Marte makes sense on paper. Arizona would secure a young, controllable arm to help stabilize its pitching staff, while Boston would land a proven offensive force under contract for several seasons. While additional pieces would almost certainly be required to finalize a deal, Tolle represents a realistic starting point. Ultimately, whether this fit turns into an actual trade will depend on timing and negotiations, but the logic is clear for both sides.