Can the Seattle Mariners Secure a Trade for Ketel Marte?
The Seattle Mariners are reportedly interested in bringing back Ketel Marte, a three-time All-Star second baseman who began his career with the team. However, the question remains: can the Mariners afford to trade for him?
According to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, the Diamondbacks are open to discussions, but the price is steep. They are seeking starting pitchers who are at or near the major-league level. The Mariners have expressed interest, but no formal talks have been initiated.
Marte's performance in 2025 was impressive, earning him his second Silver Slugger award. He had a .893 OPS with 28 home runs and was a switch-hitter, performing well with both left-handed and right-handed bats.
The Mariners have some unsettled positions in their infield, with Cole Young and Ben Williamson taking on second and third base roles. They could potentially re-sign Jorge Polanco or Eugenio Suárez, both switch-hitting third basemen. This means Marte is not the only option for the team.
The Mariners have avoided trading their primary starting pitchers, and they have some promising arms outside the rotation. Logan Evans and Emerson Hancock made starts in 2025, while Jurrangelo Cijntje and Ryan Sloan are highly ranked prospects. Kade Anderson, a top pick from LSU, is also in the pipeline.
The Mariners' trades this year with the Diamondbacks for Josh Naylor and Suárez didn't involve their starting pitchers. However, Marte's contract is a significant factor. He's on a six-year, $116.5 million deal with a player option for 2031, making him a valuable asset. The Diamondbacks may be open to trades but will likely demand high-level starting pitchers.
The Mariners' offseason strategy hinges on their ability to balance their needs and the price tag for Marte. With a strong lineup and promising prospects, they must decide if acquiring Marte is worth the trade.
Stay tuned as the Mariners navigate the offseason, with potential trades and coaching staff changes on the horizon.
