Likely paywall, so here's the text:
"If the Cincinnati Reds add a hitter, it won’t be at the level of Kyle Schwarber. But the Reds also are not shopping in the bargain aisle just yet.
Among the trade possibilities they are considering, according to sources briefed on their conversations: Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, who is owed $102.5 million over the next six seasons, including $41 million deferred; and Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe, who will make $11.5 million in the final year of his contract.
The Reds, league sources said, offered Schwarber a five-year deal in the $125 million range, with room to grow. Their proposal had a creative structure that included deferrals. Ownership was willing to extend for Schwarber, anticipating that the native of Middletown, Ohio, would help sell tickets in his homecoming.
A deal for Marte would require the Reds to part with top young talent, something they are reluctant to do, and possibly offload a player such as second baseman Gavin Lux, who is projected to earn $5 million in arbitration. Marte’s contract, though, is not considered onerous. The Rays also have discussed a trade for him, and potentially could include Lowe in such a deal, or spin him to another club.
The Reds also are looking at a number of free agents, and one rival executive estimates they are involved in a dozen scenarios. The defensive versatility of several of their position players enables them to be flexible in whom they acquire, and imaginative in their approach."
22 comments
Marte’s AAV’s since it’s somewhat relevant:
2026- $16M
2027- $12M
2028- $20M
2029- $22M
2030- $22M
2031- $11.5M Player option
Marte would be sweet
Won’t keep my hopes up but would be nice. Would likely require some insane hull, but I say do it barring a couple players
“But the Reds also are not shopping in the bargain aisle just yet.”
Translation: They’re already shopping in the bargain aisle. It’s all they know.
Ketel is a win-now move. I hope they go make it happen.
Only way for mid major teams is to draft and trade. Can’t get into bidding wars. A smart franchise would unload one of these pitchers we have.
We’ve found the next guy to get pissed off about not becoming a Red yay!
Let’s see, we have Tito rightfully accepting heat for playing Elly too much. We have Mark Sheldon, Jason Williams, and others doing snarky hits on Hunter Greene for not playing enough. And then we have Marte, [who several teammates questioned the days off he asked for and was granted](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2025/08/14/trade-ketel-marte-updates-teammates-grumble-arizona-diamondbacks-star/85664809007/). There’s a reason why the DBacks are considering trading a player with his profile and reasonable contract after all.
Reds have to be very sure of the clubhouse fit for Marte in my opinion. There are too many young players who need a good example on this team, which was a key piece of the promise of Schwarber.
I’d rather have Lowe. I’ve read rumors that Marte is not very liked among the Dback players. We don’t need a cancer in the locker room.
Rather have Marte than Schwarber
Less AAV than schwarber with room in the first 3 years to pay another player to get up to schwarber money in total. I have no faith the front office makes it happen but I would do this on ootp
Hear me out. Trade for Ketel Marte and convert him to the outfield. Next, we sign Starling Marte. Now stick with me here, we run the first ever Marte, Marte, Marte outfield. Friedl gets to DH.
Both would provide power, so count me in for either!
The most important takeaway for me is that these rumors suggest that the Reds aren’t content with sticking with McLain and hoping for a bounce back year. That’s good news.
They’re probably also interested in changing up some of the concessions for 2026. Between the two, I’d sooner bet on that happening, even without reporter confirmation.
I have my doubts that we would seriously consider trading for Marte. Our front office has put a high premium on “high character” players the last few years. Virtually every free agent we have brought in or player we have traded for has had a reputation as a clubhouse leader and/or god mentor for young players (Nick Martinez, Frankie Montas, Jose Trevino, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Brent Suter, Gavin Lux, Jeimer Candelario, Austin Hays, and Emilio Pagan to name a few). Everyone focused on the hometown angle with Schwarber, but it’s not a coincidence that he also has a strong reputation as a positive force in the clubhouse. This is part of the front office’s “moneyball” strategy (and it is a strategy whether we like it or not) – compete by developing a young core of players with a priority on athleticism and versatility with continuing waves of talent, and “season” them by adding lower cost/undervalued “high character” veterans. I’m sure much of the Marte stuff is overblown, but he has clearly worn out his welcome in Arizona and there is enough smoke that there likely is at least something to it.
Glad to see some 2nd base targets. I’m a McLain fan, but going into next season hoping he rebounds is a bad plan. Add someone like Lowe and if McLain does play better you have a super sub that can play 2b, SS, and CF defensively. That’s a move that makes this team much better.
Definitely not. They just leaked it to get fans off their backs.
I’d obviously take either but Lowe could be a ticking timebomb with his prior back issues so hopefully they’d priortize Marte.
Nick Krall thinks penny slots are too great a risk; a trade for Ketel (or Lowe) would be a complete 180 of behavior that’s just not realistic.
Marte. Marte. Marte.
That is a reasonable contract for an impact player. Get it done Bob!
The question here is what are we giving up for Marte? I think we all seen the CES, McLain and Greene for Marte proposal. NO! If we’re talking prospect pitching then I’m intrigued.. what’s the most anyone here would be willing to give for 6 years of Marte at 2b?