MLB Trade Rumors: Ketel Marte talks heat up between Red Sox and D-Backs; Nationals field heavy inquiries on CJ Abrams

The Boston Red Sox continue to be in pursuit of an All-Star caliber infielder and the AL East franchise have been linked with Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte.

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Red Sox and the Diamondbacks have talked over a potential trade for Marte. The Diamondbacks are reportedly seeking starting pitchers in return for the three-time All-Star.

However, the deal is not getting done anytime soon, as the Red Sox are also talking to other teams over a potential trade. Boston has been linked with a return for All-Star infielder Alex Bregman. The AL East franchise is also reportedly pursuing Bo Bichette, who walked into free agency at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, promising shortstop CJ Abrams has emerged as a trade candidate after the Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported that the Washington Nationals are open to shipping Abrams and starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore this offseason.

While Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni said they will be "open minded" about offers, he said the players won't come cheap.

Red Sox reportedly ending pursuit of All-Star pitcher amid hitting needs

While The New York Post's Jon Heyman named the Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays as the teams talking with the Diamondbacks for Ketel Marte, Boston insider Rob Bradford reported the deal hasn't gained any "momentum."

Apart from Marte, the Red Sox were also pursuing Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan. The 29-year-old pitcher has been linked with the Red Sox since the trade deadline in July, but Bradford reported that the AL East franchise are "drawn back on their pursuit" of Ryan.

Bradford's update followed an earlier report that claimed that the Twins are not willing to part ways with the right-handed starting pitcher. The Red Sox's signing of Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo also seemingly shut the door on a potential deal for Ryan.