The past week has felt like a series of gut punches to Boston Red Sox fans. After losing Alex Bregman in free agency, the steady trickle of updates on the negotiations has left fans scratching their heads.
But the week is not over, and a new triumph is perhaps ready to reshape the outlook on this offseason. After spending most of the winter engaging in trades rather than inking deals with unsigned players, Craig Breslow landed Ranger Suárez on January 14th. Adding yet another starting pitcher might seem like a strange move, especially with at least two rookie fireballers seemingly ready to make a splash on the major league roster.
But Breslow seems to always have a long vision in his plans, even if it doesn’t always work out. His acquisition of Suárez could position the Red Sox for one more blockbuster trade this offseason.
The roster doesn’t appear to be shaping up at all like Bleacher Report’s initial projected rotation, but plenty of firepower now sits in the Boston pitching corps, too much, in fact. Dealing one of the team’s major league arms might quickly become a priority for the front office, as should trading one of the team’s four high caliber outfielders.
Trade rumors have followed Jarren Duran for the last two seasons, and new details surrounding Boston’s attempts to make Brayan Bello available signal an interesting and potentially impactful path forward. Trade pitches involving Bello have been floated for big name talent, and one name in particular should pique the interest of Boston’s front office and fans alike.
Ketel Marte is off the market, but maybe the Red Sox can change that
Even though the D'backs took Ketel Marte off the trade block, @BNightengale finds it hard to believe that door is completely shut to a team like the Red Sox. pic.twitter.com/x6PkeajiCM
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 14, 2026
MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert reported just one day before the Bregman signing that Arizona was no longer entertaining trade talks involving Ketel Marte. The power hitting second baseman with great defensive range was an enticing option for many teams looking for infield support, Boston included. But the asking price was reportedly steep.
Even so, Bob Nightengale noted on the "Foul Territory" podcast that the door probably hasn't been slammed shut. Arizona has sought to reduce payroll while bringing in new pitching talent, and Bello is a clear fit. He won’t hit free agency until 2031, and will earn less than $10 million in both 2026-27.
With a surplus of pitching talent and a trade philosophy that seems to be aimed at shedding pitchers with low whiff rates, Breslow might be pivoting his starting rotation and willing to give up Bello. Paired up with Duran or another outfielder (all of which are young talents with big payday figures still off in the distance), Arizona might be willing to come back to the table.
This would deliver an infield quartet with plenty of power while locking Marcelo Mayer into everyday consistency at the hot corner. If this big swing is in the cards, Breslow may yet be forgiven for missing so badly on a much-desired reunion with Bregman.