BREAKING: $116 Million 3-Time All-Star Breaks Silence After Red Sox Trade Report

The Boston Red Sox made an unexpected six-player trade just ahead of Spring Training, adding a new infielder to the roster.

Reports surfaced Monday that Boston landed Caleb Durbin along with two other players from the Milwaukee Brewers, sending three players and one of their own draft picks in return. The deal addressed a key positional need following an offseason marked by major roster turnover.

“Durbin stands out as an important addition to Boston’s infield and is likely to see regular playing time — most likely at third base, though he’s capable of sliding over to second if the Red Sox opt to use Marcelo Mayer at third for defensive reasons,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams noted. “While he doesn’t bring the power bat many fans were hoping for, Durbin offers affordability, team control, and defensive flexibility. He fits well with the Red Sox’s renewed focus on run prevention and could also help cut down a strikeout rate that ranked 10th-highest in baseball last season at 22.9%.”

Boston Red Sox Reportedly Offered Franklin Arias, Pitcher Trade Package For Arizona Diamondbacks Star Ketel Marte

The Red Sox’s acquisition of Durbin might have checked off a final need for the roster before Spring Training begins, but he could be seen as a downgrade from Alex Bregman, the third baseman who left for a new contract with the Chicago Cubs after playing for the Red Sox last year. And before the Red Sox pivoted to Durbin, they were reportedly close to landing superstar infielder Ketel Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks instead.

“According to multiple league sources, the Sox were open to dealing a package headlined by Franklin Arias and either Payton Tolle or Connelly Early in exchange for Marte,” Alex Speier reported for The Boston Globe. “However, when Arizona sought a package led by Marcelo Mayer and one of the pitchers, the Sox declined.”

Arizona Diamondbacks Star Ketel Marte Breaks Silence After Boston Red Sox Trade Offer Reported

Marte — who is entering the second season of a six-year, $116 million contract and is a three-time All-Star — was likely sought by numerous teams. But after news surfaced about just how close he was to joining the Red Sox, he has spoken out about the trade rumors that surrounded him this winter.