If there’s one name that could shake up the MLB offseason in a major way, it’s Ketel Marte. The Diamondbacks’ switch-hitting second baseman is reportedly on the trade block, and while that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be moved, it does open the door for some intriguing possibilities-especially for a club like the Atlanta Braves.
On paper, the Braves make some sense as a potential landing spot. They’re fresh off a season where the offense, while still potent, lost a key bat in Marcell Ozuna.
Combine that with some uncertainty surrounding Ozzie Albies, and you’ve got a scenario where a player like Marte could be a real difference-maker. But according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, a deal between Atlanta and Arizona may not be in the cards.
Let’s break it down.
The Albies Factor
Albies is one of the most beloved players in Atlanta-not just by fans, but inside the clubhouse. He’s been a cornerstone of the Braves’ core for years, and his team-friendly contract only adds to his value.
He’s locked in at just $7 million for 2026, with a club option at the same price for 2027. That’s elite production potential at a bargain price, even if the last two years haven’t exactly been his best.
While Albies struggled through the first half of 2025-posting a .606 OPS-he rebounded nicely after the All-Star break, finishing with a .769 OPS that nearly matched his career average. That’s not nothing.
The issue is less about production and more about durability. Albies ended the 2025 season on the injured list with another hand/wrist issue, similar to one that hampered him earlier in the year.
That kind of recurring injury is tough to ignore, especially at a position that demands quick hands and constant contact.
So while Marte would be an upgrade on paper-he’s been one of the game’s most consistent offensive performers over the last few seasons-the idea of moving on from Albies isn’t as simple as plugging in a new name on the lineup card.
The Pitching Puzzle
Even if the Braves were willing to entertain the idea of swapping Albies for Marte, there’s another major hurdle: pitching.
Arizona isn’t going to give up a player like Marte without getting real value in return, and that likely means young, controllable arms. That’s where things get tricky for Atlanta.
Hurston Waldrep is one of the Braves’ most promising young pitchers. He broke out in 2025 with a 2.88 ERA over 56.1 innings and looks like a strong candidate to hold down a rotation spot next season. After the injury chaos Atlanta dealt with in their rotation last year, they’re understandably hesitant to move Waldrep-or any of their top pitching prospects, for that matter.
Chris Sale is entering his age-37 season and the final year of his contract. Spencer Strider is getting more expensive.
Reynaldo López is only under control for two more years. The Braves know they need depth and youth in the rotation, and giving that up for a position player-no matter how good-comes with risk.
Braves’ Track Record with Prospects
One thing worth noting: the Braves have been remarkably sharp when it comes to evaluating their own talent. When teams come calling for the likes of Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, Spencer Strider, or even Spencer Schwellenbach and Drake Baldwin, Atlanta has consistently said no. And they’ve been right more often than not.
At the same time, many of the prospects the Braves have traded away haven’t exactly come back to haunt them. That kind of track record gives the front office some leeway when it comes to trusting their internal evaluations. If they think Waldrep and the rest of their young arms are about to take the next step, that belief carries real weight.
The Marte Temptation
Still, Ketel Marte is not your average trade target. He’s received MVP votes in each of the last two seasons and has racked up 16.0 WAR since the start of 2023.
He’s a switch-hitter with pop, positional versatility, and postseason experience. He’s the kind of player who can tilt a division race, especially for a team already built to contend.
So, what does it all mean?
Right now, a deal between Atlanta and Arizona seems unlikely. The Braves aren’t eager to move Albies, and they’re even more reluctant to part with their young pitching. That said, if talks were to heat up, and if the Diamondbacks were open to a creative structure that didn’t gut Atlanta’s future rotation, there’s at least a path to explore.
But make no mistake-this isn’t just about swapping one second baseman for another. It’s about weighing long-term value, injury risk, clubhouse chemistry, and the delicate balance between going all-in and staying sustainable.
The Braves have built a contender by threading that needle better than just about anyone. Whether they’re willing to adjust that formula for a player like Ketel Marte? That’s the million-dollar question this offseason.