Red Sox target Marte staying put. What does it mean for Bregman?

The Purple Sox can cross one other big-name bat off their record of offseason targets, but it surely might assist their probabilities of retaining Alex Bregman.

All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte received’t be traded by the Diamondbacks this offseason, The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal reported Friday. Nonetheless, Arizona will seemingly pursue additions to its bullpen and at first base over doubtlessly signing Bregman, Rosenthal added.

Diamondbacks common supervisor Mike Hazen also told MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert that the group seemingly doesn’t have the monetary flexibility so as to add a premium free agent if it nonetheless had Marte’s contract on the books.

The Diamondbacks have been rumored as a possible touchdown spot for Bregman, though it was believed that they’d solely signal the Purple Sox star in the event that they had been in a position to commerce Marte.

Marte, in the meantime, had been linked to the Purple Sox as a commerce goal for the reason that Winter Conferences in December. It had been reported that Boston had proven curiosity in Marte as Arizona sought younger pitchers for the three-time All-Star. Infielder Marcelo Mayer had also been speculated as a potential participant the Purple Sox would’ve had to surrender for Marte.

Marte has arguably been the perfect second baseman in baseball over the previous couple of seasons. The switch-hitter logged a .283 batting common with 28 house runs, 72 RBIs, and a .893 OPS in 2025.

The Purple Sox nonetheless look like looking for some right-handed hitting assist, even after buying and selling for first baseman Willson Contreras in late December. However they may have to fill that want by way of free company. Shortly after the commerce for Contreras, The Boston Globe‘s Alex Speier reported that the Red Sox’ “primary targets” had been Bregman, Blue Jays free agent Bo Bichette, Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes, and Marte.

Bregman and Bichette are arguably two of the three greatest free-agent hitters, however questions stay about their respective markets. The Blue Jays made a giant free-agent infield addition after they signed Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto final week, leaving some to marvel if Toronto might nonetheless be a touchdown spot for Bregman or Bichette.

Past the Purple Sox, Blue Jays, and Diamondbacks, the Cubs and Tigers are additionally among the many groups pursuing Bregman, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported earlier in January. Boston has made an “aggressive offer” to attempt to retain Bregman, although, ESPN’s Buster Olney recently reported.

As for Bichette, the Purple Sox gained some extra competitors to doubtlessly land him this week. The Phillies have emerged as a suitor to land the two-time All-Star and are set to fulfill with Bichette someday quickly, The Athletic’s Matt Gelb reported Thursday.

If the Purple Sox find yourself signing one in all Bregman or Bichette, they’ll nearly definitely be a luxurious tax group in 2026 and will cross the second luxurious tax threshold. They at present have $242.9 million dedicated wage for 2026, per Red Sox Payroll on X, which is roughly $1 million shy of the posh tax threshold and $21 million wanting the second luxurious tax threshold.