MLB trade rumor: Arizona Diamondbacks show interest in Alex Bregman to fill void left by Eugenio Suárez trade

Alex Bregman has been a hot topic this offseason, but on December 16, something unexpected happened. A seasoned MLB insider disclosed that the Arizona Diamondbacks are taking notice, which quickly altered the dynamics of the free agency market. At first, it seemed a bit puzzling. Arizona has young players already and a star second baseman locked in. However, if you take a deeper look, the scenario changes.

Trade talks are getting intense, financial options are being considered, and the infield might change quite a bit soon. Across the league, executives and reporters are picking up on the subtle hints, suggesting that this interest is more serious than it seems. With past relationships, competing bidders, and strategic roster changes all in the mix, Bregman’s market could be on the verge of one of the most surprising developments of the offseason.

Arizona Diamondbacks explore financial flexibility tied to potential Ketel Marte trade

The excitement surrounding Bregman and Arizona grew on December 16, 2025, when Jon Heyman from the New York Post tweeted that the Diamondbacks "are interested" in the 31-year-old infielder, who is among the best free agents on the market this winter. Heyman, an experienced MLB insider, posted this news on X, highlighting it as a fresh development in Bregman's free agency.

Following up on Heyman's report, Bob Nightengale from USA Today took to X to call Arizona a "surprise entrant in the Alex Bregman sweepstakes" and stating the team is "kicking the tires" on a potential signing. Nightengale elaborated to his followers, "The Dbacks would certainly have the financial flexibility if they move 2B Ketel Marte and could move 3B Jordan Lawlar to 2B."


Bregman's ability to play different positions makes him a fascinating option, especially since he could take over at third base while Lawlar moves to second, particularly if Arizona trades All-Star Ketel Marte.

CBS Sports' shared similar thoughts in a roundup on December 16, mentioning that the Diamondbacks are "kicking the tires" on Bregman. He pointed out the necessary infield adjustments but considered them manageable.


NESN's Keagan Stiefel brought attention to the unexpected twist, stating that Arizona's interest makes them fresh contenders for Bregman, especially against his old team, the Boston Red Sox.

Ketel Marte trade talks shape Arizona Diamondbacks interest in Alex Bregman and long term infield plans

Arizona's interest in Bregman is closely linked to the current talks about trading second baseman Ketel Marte, who has a six-year, $116.5 million contract that runs through 2030, with $41 million of that being deferred.

According to MLB.com, the Red Sox are leading the race to land Marte, while the Blue Jays and Mariners are also in the mix. Marte, who was the 2023 NLCS MVP and a three-time All-Star, has the ability to block trades to five teams: the Athletics, Yankees, Pirates, Giants, and Cardinals.

The Athletic pointed out that Arizona wants a "superstar-type return" for Marte, even though some of his teammates had complaints about him last season, according to the Arizona Republic.

Rob Bradford from WEEI tweeted that a source mentioned the talks between the Red Sox and Diamondbacks were "nothing close," even though there was some earlier momentum that seemed to favor Boston.

NESN's report hinted that interest in Bregman could speed up discussions about Marte, possibly leading to a "quasi-swap" where Boston trades Bregman to Arizona as part of a larger deal.

Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen has said he doesn't "feel as if he has to trade Marte," per MLB.com, but the move could free up $17.25 million annually and allow Lawlar's promotion.

Diamondbacks rotation takes shape with Merrill Kelly joining Eduardo Rodriguez

To back any infield splash, Arizona has strengthened its pitching lineup. On December 10, the team brought on right-hander Michael Soroka with a one-year contract worth $7.5 million, including a mutual option and performance bonuses that could reach $9.5 million, according to MLB.com sources. Soroka described it as a "dream scenario" during a post-signing chat, thrilled about pitching year-round in his home state.

A few days later, on December 14, the Diamondbacks struck a two-year, $40 million deal with free-agent right-hander Merrill Kelly bringing him back to the team after trading him midseason pending a physical.

Kelly, who had a 4.23 ERA in 10 starts with Texas after the trade, will join Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Ryne Nelson in the rotation. These moves show Arizona's aim to compete in 2026, possibly combining Bregman's hitting with a solidified pitching staff.

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