Red Sox rumors: Boston ‘stronger candidates’ for Ketel Marte than Blue Jays

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is exploring free agency, with his agent Scott Boras leveraging Kyle Schwarber's recent contract to support Alonso's long-term contract demands. Alonso is currently in discussions with the Boston Red Sox during the Winter Meetings, indicating a pivotal moment in his career.

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly setting up a second meeting with free agent Pete Alonso during the Winter Meetings in Orlando, following their significant trade for Garrett Crochet last year. This renewed interest in Alonso highlights the team's ongoing efforts to strengthen their roster as the MLB free agency period intensifies.

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo addressed the ongoing trade rumors surrounding star second baseman Ketel Marte, providing insights into his performance this season and the speculation about his potential departure from the team. Lovullo's comments come as the Diamondbacks navigate a challenging offseason filled with uncertainty regarding their roster.

Pete Alonso is attending MLB's Winter Meetings, where he is evaluating his options as he approaches free agency, while the New York Mets are taking a hands-off approach during this critical period. The Mets are expected to monitor the situation closely but are not actively engaging in negotiations at this time.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence that the gap between his team and the AL champion Toronto Blue Jays is small, following a challenging 2025 season where the Yankees struggled to surpass the Blue Jays. Boone's comments come as the Yankees prepare for the 2026 season, focusing on strategies to improve their performance.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed pitcher Mike Soroka to a one-year deal as they prepare for the potential departure of Zac Gallen, who is being pursued by the Chicago Cubs in free agency. This move indicates the Diamondbacks' proactive approach to maintaining their pitching rotation amid uncertainty regarding Gallen's future.

Sonny Gray's recent trade to the Boston Red Sox from the St. Louis Cardinals has reignited tensions with the New York Yankees, particularly after Yankees GM Brian Cashman accused Gray of lying about his desire to play for the team. Gray's agent, Bo McKinnis, has publicly disputed Cashman's claims, emphasizing the pitcher's true feelings regarding his time with the Yankees.