If the Seattle Mariners could write a letter to Santa this Christmas, there’s little doubt what they’d be asking for: a switch-hitting, All-Star second baseman with postseason experience, elite bat-to-ball skills, and a track record of producing in big moments. In other words - Ketel Marte.
With Jorge Polanco now in Queens and the Mariners still searching for a long-term answer at second base, the need is glaring. Cole Young might be the future, but the organization’s decision to bench him last September in favor of Leo Rivas - a career minor leaguer - speaks volumes.
The Mariners aren’t in the mood for growing pains. They’re trying to win now.
And Marte? He’s the kind of player who can help them do exactly that.
Why Ketel Marte Makes Sense for Seattle
Let’s start with the resume. Marte isn’t just a solid player - he’s one of the most consistent and productive second basemen in the game.
Over the past three seasons, he’s posted three consecutive 4-WAR campaigns, including a 145 OPS+ last year. That followed a 154 OPS+ performance in 2024, and he’s been named to three All-Star teams while finishing in the top four of NL MVP voting twice.
That’s not just talent - that’s sustained excellence.
For a Mariners lineup that leans heavily on a few stars, adding Marte would be a game-changer. Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor, Julio Rodríguez, and Randy Arozarena all had career years in 2025.
But banking on all four to replicate that level of production in 2026 is a risky bet. The offense needs more balance, and Marte gives them exactly that.
He’s a switch-hitter who can slot into the top or middle of the order, lengthen the lineup, and provide much-needed stability at a position that’s been in flux.
The Cost of a Star
Of course, a player like Marte doesn’t come cheap. If the Mariners were serious about making this happen, they’d likely need to part with multiple top prospects - potentially including Cole Young - and possibly one of their young starting pitchers.
That’s a steep price. But for a team looking to break through and make a deep postseason run, it might be the kind of bold move that’s required.
Seattle’s strength has long been its pitching depth. If they feel confident in their ability to develop arms internally or find value elsewhere, they could afford to deal from that surplus to address a glaring need on the infield. And if the front office believes their current core is ready to contend, then adding a proven star like Marte is the kind of all-in move that signals belief in that window.
A Lineup That’s Ready to Compete
Picture this: Rodríguez setting the tone at the top, followed by Marte, Arozarena, Naylor, and Raleigh. That’s a lineup that can do damage.
That’s a lineup that doesn’t rely on one or two guys to carry the load. And that’s the kind of lineup that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the American League.
The Mariners have been building toward this moment for years. They’ve developed talent, made smart trades, and shown flashes of being a legitimate contender.
But to take the next step - to go from playoff hopeful to serious threat - they need one more big bat. Ketel Marte fits the bill.
So if there’s one gift Seattle’s front office should be hoping for this holiday season, it’s a deal that brings Marte back to the Pacific Northwest. Because while Santa doesn’t usually deal in blockbuster trades, the Mariners might just need a little Christmas magic to get over the hump in 2026.