The Boston Red Sox’s pursuit of Arizona Diamondbacks standout Ketel Marte is hanging by a thread, and the latest buzz isn’t painting a rosy picture for fans desperate for a blockbuster move. Adding insult to injury, the Diamondbacks loom as a serious contender to poach three-time All-Star Alex Bregman right out from under Boston’s nose—especially since Bregman calls Arizona home during the offseason.

On Monday, MLB insider Jon Heyman dropped a bombshell update on the Marte trade chatter, and it’s far from the holiday cheer Red Sox supporters were hoping for. If Boston had dreams of landing either Marte or Bregman (or, in a wild fantasy, both), Heyman’s take pours cold water on the whole thing.

Heyman offered what feels like a grim forecast: Marte might not be going anywhere at all. But if the D-backs snag Bregman, that could flip the script and make Marte available—though even then, it’s no sure bet for the Sox.

“It would be weird in a way if he’s not traded, but I’m thinking if the D-backs sign Bregman, that would be the indication that Marte is likely to be traded,” Heyman explained. “At this point, I’m going to say he might stay, even after all this trade talk. Certainly, Boston, Tampa Bay, and Seattle are at the forefront of those talks, I think that remains the same. Could see some other teams potentially in there. Could I see Toronto? Maybe.”

The recent Willson Contreras acquisition might have already dashed any lingering hopes of a Bregman-Marte double dip for Boston. Heyman’s analysis opens the door to a nightmare scenario: the Red Sox striking out on both stars entirely.

And let’s not ignore the Toronto angle— is it real interest, or just a clever distraction? The Blue Jays can’t realistically chase every marquee name out there, right? The odds are stacking against them pulling off yet another splash.

Fans might argue endlessly about whether Bregman or Marte is the better long-term fit for Boston, but walking away empty-handed from both? That’s a blueprint for a downright disastrous offseason.