The Seattle Mariners are predicted to make a major trade for Arizona Diamondbacks' three-time All-Star Ketel Marte to bolster their offense. Bleacher Report analyst Zachary D. Rymer sees this as a homecoming for the 32-year-old second baseman, who could replace Leo Rivas. Marte's addition would pair him with key Mariners hitters like Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh.
Following their narrow defeat in Game Seven of the ALCS, the Seattle Mariners are entering the offseason with a clear need for a superstar hitter to push toward their first World Series appearance. Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer identifies the Mariners as the top trade destination for Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ketel Marte, a three-time All-Star and back-to-back Silver Slugger winner.
Rymer notes that Marte, who turns 32 soon and will gain 10-and-5 rights in April, represents a sell-high opportunity for Arizona amid reported teammate frustrations over his approach to rest days. 'The ideal trade for the D-backs is one that would bring back established or MLB-ready talent for a rotation that badly needs help, plus a right-handed bat who could play one of the corner infield spots…Prediction: Traded to Mariners,' Rymer wrote.
In the 2024 season, Marte posted a .283/.376/.517 slash line with an .893 OPS, including 28 doubles, 28 home runs, and 72 RBI over 126 games. His potential pairing with Mariners stars Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, Josh Naylor, and Randy Arozarena could create one of the American League's strongest offenses.
The trade makes sense for both sides: Arizona seeks pitching depth, which Seattle possesses in abundance, while the Mariners need hitting that the Diamondbacks are open to parting with. This move would also mark a homecoming for Marte, originally signed by Seattle as an international free agent in 2010 and traded to Arizona after two minor-league seasons. Correcting that past decision could finally propel the Mariners to the World Series.