Diamondbacks Should Sell High On Ketel Marte
Ketel Marte has been an unappreciated star within baseball today, going on an absolute tear in the 2023 postseason. With the Diamondbacks falling in the World Series to the Texas Rangers, I want to look into the future that holds the MLB Offseason. Arizona should consider moving the 2023 NLCS MVP this winter regardless of making the World Series.
The Arizona front office has made it clear in the past that they do not want to move Marte. With free agency now open as of today, the strategy for the rest of the league remains up in the air let alone the World Series runner-ups.
Why not?
The Diamondbacks may choose to stick to their guns and keep Marte for the remainder of his extension. Marte has been the franchise player for the Diamondbacks since cornerstone Paul Goldschmidt was traded to the Cardinals in 2018.
Marte has proven he can be the best player on a World Series squad, and Arizona may want to double down, accelerating the process and bringing in more pieces. This could include more pitching support for the staff that struggled in the World Series at times, as well as a replacement at 3rd base for the aging Evan Longoria.
When Ketel Marte is healthy, he is one of the best players the game has to offer at second base. However, his injury history may come into question, and the Diamondbacks may feel to avoid having their offseason overshadowed by rumors.
More importantly, teams may attempt to lowball offers due to the perceived injury risk, potentially leading to a trade never materializing.
Why trade Ketel Marte?
Ketel Marte showcased superstar-level play throughout the entirety of the MLB Postseason, boasting a .329 batting average with 24 hits, two homers, 11 RBIs and six runs scored in 17 games this October. This included his impressive 20-game postseason hitting streak, capping off a return-to-form season for Marte.
His production has significantly increased his value to potential trade partners, considering he just turned 30-years-old in October and signed a multi-year extension in 2022. The package in any potential deal may be too enticing for the Diamondbacks to pass up. Especially given Marte’s injury history, averaging 113 games per season since 2019–including the shortened 2020 season, where he played 45 out of 60 games.
Additionally, they have a promising young superstar in Corbin Carroll to step into that role for the next 15 years.
Who are some potential Suitors?:
- Mets
- Dodgers
- Marlins
- Mariners
Honorable Mentions: Red Sox, Blue Jays, Yankees
Verdict:
The Diamondbacks should strongly consider trading him, especially after the success of this season for the club. Having a veteran star like Marte is valuable for the young core to grow, though they are well-equipped to compensate for his potential departure.
Given the positive outcome of the Daulton Varsho trade, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Diamondbacks don’t at least explore trade options. Ketel Marte is a former All-Star, a Top-5 MVP candidate, with switch-hitting capabilities and 30-home run potential. Teams will be calling, Arizona, what’s your move?
The success the Diamondbacks enjoyed this past season should not be taken lightly. The front office is now at a crossroads; they must decide whether to sell high on their assets and build for the future or double down and compete for a World Series now.
Arizona has some pivotal decisions to make regarding their franchise player, Ketel Marte. Every reason I provided to trade him can also be used as a reason to keep him. However, Marte’s value will likely never be this high again. Fortunately, they have the entire winter to figure that out.
*Cough* TRADE HIM!!! *Cough*
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