MLB insider issues verdict as Red Sox pull plug on Ketel Marte talks after Willson Contreras trade

The Boston Red Sox have reportedly landed first baseman Willson Contreras in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins, along with minor league pitchers Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita.

According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox have pulled the plug on trade talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks for first baseman Ketel Marte following the latest trade that was reported on Sunday.

The reason is obvious. The Red Sox were searching for a first baseman, and they got their answer in Contreras, who was a former catcher turned first baseman in 2025, and he did well in the new position. Moreover, Contreras slashed .257/.344/.447 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs last season, showcasing the production he could provide to the Red Sox's lineup.

Where Red Sox are in terms of Alex Bregman's free agency?

The Red Sox saw third baseman Alex Bregman opt out of his three-year, $120 million contract after just one season, leaving a massive hole at third base, given the franchise parted ways with Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants before the 2025 MLB trade deadline.

Despite the opt-out, the Red Sox are trying to re-sign the former World Series champion. However, as per NBC Boston, the free agency talks have hit a snag as the third baseman is expecting a five- or six-year deal that Boston may not want to offer. Moreover, some rumors say Bregman wants to play with a more competitive team. The Red Sox finished third behind the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees in the AL East's 2025 standings.

Meanwhile, in the wake of recent developments, other teams such as the Blue Jays, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Mets, and Tigers have shown interest in signing Bregman.

As far as the Red Sox are concerned, they are also pushing hard for international free agents such as Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto, and this could very well dictate how the Red Sox look forward to filling third base or other infield positions.

Edited by Krutik Jain