New Ketel Marte trade update could send free agent dominoes toppling

The weeks-long uncertainty over whether or not the Arizona Diamondbacks would trade All_Star second baseman Ketel Marte seems to have been settled, with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) reporting the Snakes will hold onto the 32-year-old veteran.

Arizona had been kicking the tires on moving Marte both to shore up their pitching and potentially make a run at free agent infielder Alex Bregman, who is also a major focal point of Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs. But with Marte staying put, it seems likely the Boston Red Sox will lock in on a reunion with Bregman, who spent the 2025 campaign with the team before opting out last fall.

Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette remain possibilities for the Chicago Cubs

A reunion between Boston and Bregman has felt likely for much of the winter, but had the Red Sox and Diamondbacks come together on a Marte trade, it would have taken a major piece off the board in the Cubs' pursuit of the two-time World Series champion. In theory, it should keep Arizona from signing Bregman, but Rosenthal acknowledged that 'a scenario exists' where they keep Marte and sign Bregman.

Expect Bregman and Boston rumors to pick up steam again soon - and with Bo Bichette reportedly very intrigued by the idea of playing for the Phillies (who recently hired Don Mattingly as bench coach - adding a tie for Bichette from their time together in Toronto), Hoyer faces an uphill battle to land a big bat the team needs after trading for Edward Cabrera.

Cody Bellinger is reportedly sitting on an offer from the Yankees that includes an AAV north of $30 million (no, thanks) - so it feels like Bichette/Bregman or bust for Chicago. The money is there and the need is painfully obvious to anyone who takes even a cursory look at this roster. As the market continues to take shape, the Cubs are going to face stiff competition if they're serious about adding a big-time bat.

If they don't, even with the Cabrera deal done, it'll feel like another offseason of half-measures from the front office and ownership.