The Arizona Diamondbacks are seemingly looking to trade their star infielder, Ketel Marte, in the coming months. Marte is one of the best second basemen in baseball, and the Diamondbacks could net some star pitching in return.
There are plenty of teams around the league that could make sense as a fit for Marte. In fact, practically every team in baseball could use him in their lineup.
But not every team has the payroll and prospect capital to get a deal done. Which team makes the most sense?
Prediction: Diamondbacks trade Ketel Marte to the Reds for a starting pitcher
The Cincinnati Reds make the most sense for Marte on the surface.
The Reds need to upgrade over Matt McLain at second base, and there’s no better option than Marte. Adding him to the lineup alongside Elly De La Cruz would be the best-case scenario for the Reds and manager Terry Francona.
Cincinnati also has the pitching to send to Arizona in the return. Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Rhett Lowder could all be used as a headliner in a deal for Marte.
The Diamondbacks would likely prefer Abbott after an All-Star season, but there’s a chance the Diamondbacks target Lowder and a younger position player, too.
But the issue with this idea is the Reds’ lack of aggressiveness toward deals like this. Cincinnati doesn’t typically make blockbuster moves like this, but if it’s willing to change its ways, the Reds could pull off a huge deal.
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