Can Seattle Mariners Secure Ketel Marte in a Trade?
The Seattle Mariners are reportedly showing interest in acquiring Ketel Marte, a star second baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Marte, a three-time All-Star, previously started his career with the Mariners before moving to Arizona in a trade that benefited Seattle. As the offseason progresses, discussions around Marte’s availability are intensifying.
Trade Talks Surrounding Ketel Marte
MLB Network insider Jon Morosi has indicated that the Diamondbacks are open to trade discussions regarding Marte. However, the organization has set a high price, particularly seeking starting pitchers who are close to Major League-ready.
According to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, while the Mariners have expressed interest, they haven’t engaged in serious talks with the Diamondbacks yet. This situation leaves them exploring different options for their infield positions for the 2026 season.
Marte’s Performance and Career Background
In 2025, Marte won his second Silver Slugger award. He achieved a batting line of .283/.376/.517, resulting in an OPS of .893, alongside 28 home runs. Notably, he displays balanced hitting abilities, showcasing similar OPS figures against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers.
Marte was signed by the Mariners in 2010 and made his MLB debut in 2015. He played a total of 176 games for Seattle before being traded to Arizona, where he has since emerged as one of the league’s most consistent hitters.
Mariners’ Infield Strategy for 2026
As the Mariners prepare for the upcoming season, they face uncertainties in their infield. Cole Young and Ben Williamson are expected to fill the second and third base roles, respectively, following their first season in Major League Baseball.
The Mariners might also consider re-signing Jorge Polanco, another switch-hitting second baseman, or Eugenio Suárez, a notable third baseman with proven power. The decisions regarding these players will heavily impact Seattle’s strategy towards acquiring Marte.
Potential Obstacles in Acquiring Marte
Seattle’s capability to trade for Marte hinges on their available pitching depth. While they have maintained their top starting pitchers thus far, they do have several arms on the verge of Major League readiness.
- Logan Evans, who made 15 rookie starts in 2025.
- Emerson Hancock, a 2020 first-round pick with 16 starts last season.
- Jurrangelo Cijntje, a promising switch-pitcher ranked No. 90 overall by MLB.
- Ryan Sloan, another high-ranking prospect, reached High-A this past season.
- Kade Anderson, the No. 3 overall pick in 2024, is yet to debut but shows great potential.
Acquiring a player like Marte, who is under a substantial contract until 2030, could complicate negotiations. His contract includes an $11.5 million player option for 2031, making him a significant asset for the Diamondbacks.
Conclusion
The Mariners’ pursuit of Ketel Marte indicates their intent to strengthen their roster. However, successful negotiations will depend on their ability to address Arizona’s demand for Major League-ready pitchers while maneuvering their own infield options for the next season.
