Some new rumors make the possibility of the New York Mets making a blockbuster trade for Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte a lot more realistic.
The 2025 season was not at all what the Mets or Diamondbacks expected. New York entered the year with aspirations to be in the World Series after reaching the NLCS in 2024. Instead, they wasted a great start to the season, had a historic collapse in September, and watched the playoffs from home in October.
Arizona was hoping the addition of ace Corbin Burnes would play a huge role in another run to the World Series, like they had in 2023. However, some big injuries — including to Burnes — and rough seasons from the pitching staff led to an 81-81 finish and another year missing the playoffs. Change is surely coming for both the Mets and D-backs.
In recent days, there have been rumblings that one notable move Arizona could make is trading three-time All-Star Ketel Marte. That would seem counterproductive, but his value is at a high, and a trade could address multiple needs. On Wednesday, The Athletic insiders Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon claimed “if ever the Diamondbacks were going to do it, the time is now,” because of his value and their needs.
Ketel Marte stats: .283 AVG, .376 OBP, .517 SLG, .893 OPS, 28 HR, 72 RBI, 87 R
The DBacks could use a short or long-term answer in center field, but more than anything, they need pitching help. They traded Merrill Kelly at the deadline. They will likely lose Zac Gallen in free agency. Plus, Burnes and relievers Justin Martinez and AJ Puk are all coming off Tommy John surgeries and won’t be ready for the start of the season.
Arizona has problems that could make the Mets a great partner in a potential trade. There have been rumblings that New York may be open to moving one-time All-Star Kodai Senga. While he has had injury woes the last two years, when healthy, he is a front-of-the-rotation talent. Plus, his contract is manageable with $45 million left over the next three seasons.
They could also make highly ranked pitching prospects Brandon Sproat or Christian Scott — who will be ready for Spring training after TJ surgery in 2024 — available in the deal. Veteran outfield Brandon Nimmo could be an option for center if he wants to waive his no-trade clause or stud outfield prospect Ryan Clifford.
For the Mets, they have been looking for upgrades at second base for some time. Marte would certainly be that and bring a very nice, high-impact bat to the lineup. Which could be especially helpful if they do lose Pete Alonso in free agency this offseason.
