The Arizona Diamondbacks have already shown they're not afraid to shake things up. After parting ways with veteran bats Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor in July-sending both to the Mariners-they may not be done dealing just yet.
The latest name surfacing in trade talks? Ketel Marte.
Marte isn’t just another player floating around the rumor mill. He’s become one of the most talked-about trade candidates this offseason, landing at No. 2 on ESPN’s list of top potential trade chips-trailing only Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
That’s not just noise. According to insiders Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel, there’s a 40% chance Marte is moved this winter.
That’s a significant number for a player of his caliber.
And it's easy to see why teams are circling.
Marte has quietly been one of the most consistent offensive performers in the game. By advanced metrics, he ranks among the top 20 hitters in baseball over the past several seasons.
That kind of production from a middle infielder is rare, and it’s made him a hot commodity. Now 32, Marte still has plenty of value-especially when you factor in his contract.
He’s signed for five more years at $91 million, with a sixth-year player option worth $11.5 million. That’s a team-friendly deal in today’s market, especially for a switch-hitting second baseman with pop and plate discipline.
But that affordability comes with a catch: Arizona’s not letting him go for cheap.
The Diamondbacks know what they have in Marte. He’s not just a good player-he’s arguably the best second baseman in baseball right now.
That means any team hoping to pry him away is going to have to come with a serious offer. Think top prospects, MLB-ready talent, or both.
Arizona isn’t in a rush to move him, but they’re listening.
Seven teams have already been linked to Marte, including the Pirates, Giants, Phillies, Mariners (again), Royals, Athletics, and Mets. It’s a diverse group-some on the rise, some retooling, some looking to make a playoff push.
What they all have in common is a need for a bat like Marte’s. He’s the kind of player who can stabilize a lineup, lengthen an order, and set the tone in the clubhouse.
The big question for any suitor is simple: How much longer will Marte produce at this level?
At 32, he’s still playing at an elite level, but the aging curve is real. If he continues to hit like he has, his contract could look like a bargain.
But if there’s any dip in performance, that same deal could become a burden. That’s the risk-reward calculus every front office has to weigh.
For now, all eyes are on the Diamondbacks. As the winter meetings approach, the league will get a better sense of just how serious Arizona is about moving their star second baseman. They’ve already made bold moves this year-don’t be surprised if Marte becomes the next big name on the move.