KETEL MARTE, 2B

Position: 2B B/T: S/R

Age: 32 (10/12/1993)

2025 Traditional Stats: 556 PA, .283/.376/.517/.893, 136 H, 28 HR, 72 RBI, 64 BB, 83 SO

2025 Advanced Stats: 145 wRC+, 145 OPS+, 14.9% SO%, 11.5% BB%, .290 BABIP, .400 xwOBA, 4.6 fWAR, 4.4 bWAR

For a number of years, Ketel Marte has been one of, if not the most underrated star in Major League Baseball. He entered that conversation back in 2019 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, when he finished 4th in National League MVP voting thanks to over a 6-win season. That campaign was just the start of his rise. Year after year, Marte consistently produced at the plate. That was finally seen on a national stage in 2023.

The Diamondbacks, led by Marte and Corbin Carroll, advanced all the way to the World Series that year. It was a remarkable playoff run, one that included series victories over the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. While Arizona lost to the Texas Rangers in the World Series 4-1, Marte put on an offensive clinic. In 17 postseason games, he slashed .329/.380/.534/.914 with two home runs and 11 runs batted in. He collected at least one hit in 16 of those 17 games. An individual masterclass of hitting.

In the two years since, the Diamondbacks have failed to reach the postseason. An 89-win season in 2024 wasn’t enough due to losing two head-t0-head tiebreakers, and they followed that up with an 80-82 record in 2025. Neither of those shortcomings have been because of Marte. He has been an All-Star in consecutive years for the first time in his career, hitting .288 with a .913 OPS over that stretch.

After being three wins away from a World Series title not all that long ago, the Diamondbacks need to create some change within their big league roster. With things not clicking, could Marte be moved this offseason? That would open the door at second base for Jordan Lawlar and Tommy Troy, who finished last season in Triple-A Reno. It’s definitely something to think about.

PACKAGE

Marte is entering the second year of a 6-year, $116.5 million contract. In addition to that, he also has a $11.5 million player option for the 2031 season. The Diamondbacks were more than happy to commit to him long-term. Because of that, it will take a lot to get him out of Arizona. Not to mention Marte has a five-team no-trade clause. If the Mets are not on that list, they have more than enough prospect capital to acquire him.

METS RECEIVE

DIAMONDBACKS RECEIVE

The Diamondbacks desperately need help on the pitching side. Corbin Burnes is recovering from Tommy John surgery, Merrill Kelly was dealt at the trade deadline in July and Zac Gallen is an impending free agent. If they were to move Marte, acquiring someone with the ceiling of Tong makes sense.

RECOMMENDATION

The Mets desperately need to get this offseason right. After missing the playoffs in 2025, the pressure has never been higher in Queens. Anything and everything should be on the table as the market opens up. The Mets need one impact bat, if not two. Marte certainly falls into that category. There has been a lot of chatter about moving on from Jeff McNeil. With him entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, I expect the Mets to shop him over the coming months. Let’s see if they can facilitate a trade.

Second base isn’t a glaring need, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring in a significant upgrade if possible. Would it cost a lot? Absolutely. But with Marte’s sensational skillset, it would be worth it. Adding him to a top of the order that already includes Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto would be great for the 2026 Mets. Make it happen.