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Just when Boston Red Sox fans thought the offseason drama was centered on trading for Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte, a massive plot twist dropped out of nowhere — and it’s got everyone second-guessing the Alex Bregman reunion.

The Red Sox and Diamondbacks have been quietly circling each other for weeks, with Boston eyeing Marte as a potential infield upgrade amid ongoing rumors of a trade. But on Tuesday, the D-backs flipped the script by emerging as a legitimate threat to snatch Bregman right out from under Boston’s nose.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale broke the news: The Arizona Diamondbacks are a “surprise entrant” in the Bregman sweepstakes, actively “kicking the tires” on the All-Star third baseman. Trading away Marte would free up serious payroll flexibility, allowing Arizona to pivot their top prospect Jordan Lawlar to second base and slot Bregman in at third.

New York Post’s Jon Heyman quickly backed it up, pointing out the obvious ripple effect: Arizona’s interest in Bregman — real or strategic — gives them massive leverage in any Marte negotiations with the Red Sox, who have been prioritizing bringing back their incumbent star.

The timing couldn’t be more suspicious. Hours earlier, Red Sox insider and Bregman confidant Jared Carrabis posted on X that he wasn’t “feeling super great” about a Bregman return to Boston, teasing a “mystery team coming in hot.” When Nightengale’s report hit identifying the D-backs, Carrabis quote-tweeted: “More than just kicking the tires, Bob!”

Suddenly, the Diamondbacks — a team Red Sox fans rarely view as direct competition — are smack in the middle of Boston’s offseason plans. If Arizona lands Bregman, it could force the Sox to get aggressive on Marte… or watch their third base hole widen while a non-traditional rival strengthens up.

Nothing’s done yet, but the heat is on. These two clubs are intertwined like never before, and the next move could shake up the entire winter. Sox Nation, buckle up — the sleeper team just woke up.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale broke the news: The Arizona Diamondbacks are a “surprise entrant” in the Bregman sweepstakes, actively “kicking the tires” on the All-Star third baseman. Trading away Marte would free up serious payroll flexibility, allowing Arizona to pivot their top prospect Jordan Lawlar to second base and slot Bregman in at third.

New York Post’s Jon Heyman quickly backed it up, pointing out the obvious ripple effect: Arizona’s interest in Bregman — real or strategic — gives them massive leverage in any Marte negotiations with the Red Sox, who have been prioritizing bringing back their incumbent star.

The timing couldn’t be more suspicious. Hours earlier, Red Sox insider and Bregman confidant Jared Carrabis posted on X that he wasn’t “feeling super great” about a Bregman return to Boston, teasing a “mystery team coming in hot.” When Nightengale’s report hit identifying the D-backs, Carrabis quote-tweeted: “More than just kicking the tires, Bob!”

Suddenly, the Diamondbacks — a team Red Sox fans rarely view as direct competition — are smack in the middle of Boston’s offseason plans. If Arizona lands Bregman, it could force the Sox to get aggressive on Marte… or watch their third base hole widen while a non-traditional rival strengthens up.

Nothing’s done yet, but the heat is on. These two clubs are intertwined like never before, and the next move could shake up the entire winter. Sox Nation, buckle up — the sleeper team just woke up.

Just when Boston Red Sox fans thought the offseason drama was centered on trading for Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte, a massive plot twist dropped out of nowhere — and it’s got everyone second-guessing the Alex Bregman reunion.

The Red Sox and Diamondbacks have been quietly circling each other for weeks, with Boston eyeing Marte as a potential infield upgrade amid ongoing rumors of a trade. But on Tuesday, the D-backs flipped the script by emerging as a legitimate threat to snatch Bregman right out from under Boston’s nose.

Just when Boston Red Sox fans thought the offseason drama was centered on trading for Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte, a massive plot twist dropped out of nowhere — and it’s got everyone second-guessing the Alex Bregman reunion.

The Red Sox and Diamondbacks have been quietly circling each other for weeks, with Boston eyeing Marte as a potential infield upgrade amid ongoing rumors of a trade. But on Tuesday, the D-backs flipped the script by emerging as a legitimate threat to snatch Bregman right out from under Boston’s nose.