MLB Rumors: Boston makes bold play for Ketel Marte; Padres launch aggressive Jake Cronenworth sell-off

The Boston Red Sox's pursuit of power-hitters this offseason has been no secret and the American League East franchise have been linked with another All-Star slugger over the weekend.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Red Sox are interested in trading for the Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte. The Diamondbacks infielder has been reported as one of the top trade targets in the offseason.

Marte slashed .283/.376/.517 with 28 home runs last season, marking his third consecutive season with more than 25 home runs, despite playing just 126 games due to injuries.

The Diamondbacks second baseman's strong season makes him a potential infield candidate for the Red Sox, who are also pursuing Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette in free agency.

However, the Red Sox could face competition from the Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, Rays, Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays for Marte, who signed a six-year extension worth $116.5 million with Arizona in April.

While the Red Sox are looking to strengthen the roster following their Wild Card loss against the New York Yankees, the San Diego Padres are reportedly headed in the other direction as the NL West team is looking to create room on the roster.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Padres are looking to offload veteran infielder Jake Cronenworth this offseason.

“The San Diego Padres, desperate to free up money to grab starting pitching, have aggressively shopped infielder Jake Cronenworth,” Nightengale wrote on Sunday.

Padres reportedly looking to offload Jake Cronenworth amid Michael King rumors

Cronenworth posted a .246 batting average, .367 on-base percentage and .744 OPS with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs in 135 games in 2025, his sixth season with the franchise.

The veteran infielder signed a seven-year, $80 million deal in 2023 and his departure from the Padres will free up space for potential additions to the rotation. The NL West team could move for their former starting pitcher, Michael King, who is attracting plenty of interest in free agency after his 2025 season with the Padres.

In his last two seasons with the Padres, King pitched in 46 games for the team, posting an 18–12 record with a 3.10 ERA and 277 strikeouts across 247 innings.