The Seattle Mariners came heartbreakingly close to their first-ever World Series appearance, only to be edged out by the Toronto Blue Jays. It was the kind of near-miss that lingers - the kind that forces a front office to take a hard look at every corner of the roster and ask, “What’s the next move that gets us over the hump?”
One area that could use a serious upgrade: second base. Jorge Polanco held his own in 2025, no doubt about it. But if the Mariners are serious about turning a playoff run into a championship season, they might need more than “solid” - they might need impact.
That’s where Ketel Marte comes into the picture.
A proposed trade floating around the offseason rumor mill has Seattle sending a package of prospects - right-hander Logan Evans, second baseman Michael Arroyo, and shortstop Felnin Celesten - to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Marte, a proven All-Star and Silver Slugger who’s coming off a quietly elite season at the plate.
Let’s break this down.
Why Marte Makes Sense for Seattle
First off, Marte isn’t just a name - he’s a difference-maker. In 2025, he posted a .283/.376/.517 slash line with 28 doubles, 28 homers, and 72 RBI across 126 games.
That’s production you can build around, especially from a middle infield spot. And as a switch-hitter, he brings lineup flexibility that managers love in October.
But there’s more to this than just the numbers.
Marte is approaching a key milestone in MLB contract terms - 10-5 rights. Once a player hits 10 years of service time and has spent at least five with the same team, he earns the right to veto any trade.
Marte is set to reach that threshold shortly after the 2026 season begins, which means if Arizona wants to move him, the clock is ticking. That makes this offseason a pivotal window for any potential deal.
What Seattle Would Be Giving Up
Now, this wouldn’t be a one-sided move. The Mariners would be parting with three notable prospects - and that’s not a small ask.
But here’s the thing: Seattle’s farm system is deep. Arguably the deepest in baseball.
They’re one of the few teams that can afford to trade from a position of strength without gutting their future.
Logan Evans is a promising right-hander with upside, and both Arroyo and Celesten have shown flashes of high-ceiling talent. But none of them are guaranteed to become what Marte already is - a proven, consistent, switch-hitting force who can anchor a lineup in a playoff chase.
Reuniting with a Familiar Trade Partner
There’s also some recent history between these two clubs. The Mariners and Diamondbacks linked up at the trade deadline when Seattle landed Josh Naylor.
That kind of familiarity matters. When front offices have worked together before, it can grease the wheels for another deal - especially one of this magnitude.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about upgrading second base. It’s about making a statement.
The Mariners aren’t rebuilding. They’re not treading water.
They’re in their window, and windows don’t stay open forever. Adding Marte would send a clear message to the rest of the league - Seattle is serious about chasing a title, not just getting close.
Jorge Polanco gave the Mariners a solid season in 2025, but Ketel Marte offers a different level of impact. He’s the kind of player who can flip a postseason series with one swing. And after coming within inches of the World Series, that might be exactly what Seattle needs to finally break through.