The Boston Red Sox have adopted a bold approach this offseason, actively pursuing some of the biggest names in both the trade and free agent markets. They are making a strong push to sign Juan Soto and are heavily targeting Chicago White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet, sparking visions of a superteam among fans.
However, despite the excitement, the odds remain stacked against Boston. Soto’s price tag may be too steep, especially with fierce competition from a desperate Toronto Blue Jays GM, Ross Atkins, and the deep-pocketed owners of the New York Mets (Steve Cohen) and New York Yankees (Hal Steinbrenner). Meanwhile, the cost of acquiring Crochet continues to rise, with recent talks involving Wilyer Abreu failing to gain traction.
Although Craig Breslow deserves credit for his ambitious efforts, the Red Sox likely can’t rely on these dream scenarios materializing. Fortunately, the team still has considerable financial resources and trade assets, allowing them to pivot strategically. One trade in particular could address multiple needs at once.
Ketel Marte and Zac Gallen would be ideal trade targets for the Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
Acquire:
- 2B/SS/CF Ketel Marte
- RHP Zac Gallen
Arizona Diamondbacks
Acquire:
- RF Wilyer Abreu
- SS Marcelo Mayer (ranked No. 7 by MLB Pipeline)
- C Kyle Teel (ranked No. 25 by MLB Pipeline)
Imagine a Red Sox lineup featuring Ketel Marte hitting between Jarren Duran and Rafael Devers, with Triston Casas in the cleanup spot. Such an addition could be a game-changer, potentially vaulting Boston into postseason contention. Despite missing part of the 2024 season due to an ankle sprain, Marte delivered a standout year, slashing .292/.372/.560, hitting a career-high 36 home runs, finishing third in NL MVP voting, and earning his first Silver Slugger. The 31-year-old switch-hitter, known for his defensive versatility across the middle infield and outfield, is under contract through 2027, with a club option for 2028.
But why stop there? The Red Sox are also in the market for an ace, and Zac Gallen could fit the bill. Gallen, who finished third in NL Cy Young voting in 2023, posted a 3.65 ERA over 148 innings in 2024 while battling injuries. Though he’s set to become a free agent after 2025 and is represented by Scott Boras, making an extension unlikely, Boston’s financial flexibility and appeal could work in their favor if Gallen thrives with the team.
For Arizona, trading both Marte and Gallen would be painful but potentially necessary. They’re unlikely to re-sign Gallen next offseason, and a deal could bring a haul of young talent. Boston could offer a significant package, including young outfielder Wilyer Abreu, who hit .253 with 15 home runs in his rookie season while earning a Gold Glove, alongside top prospects like Marcelo Mayer, a dynamic infielder who could pair with Jordan Lawlar, and Kyle Teel, an elite catching prospect who excelled in Double-A and Triple-A in 2024.
A deal like this would address key needs for both teams—boosting the Red Sox with star power and depth while providing the D-backs with building blocks for sustained contention. However, a trade of this magnitude remains unlikely. Arizona’s GM Mike Hazen seems hesitant to part with Marte, while Boston may be unwilling to give up multiple top-tier prospects from their Core Four. Still, the possibility of Gallen being moved as free agency nears remains on the table.
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