Trade winds are swirling at the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings. Few names are generating more buzz than Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte.
With Arizona listening on offers and big-market suitors circling, several contenders are reshaping their cores. This offseason feels like a defining moment for multiple franchises across the league.
Diamondbacks Weigh Ketel Marte Trade as Clubhouse Questions Linger
The Diamondbacks aren’t just passively listening. They’re actively entertaining trade offers for Marte, a franchise cornerstone whose situation is way more layered than a simple star-for-prospects swap.
Marte’s deal sits at $102.5 million over six seasons, but significant deferrals soften that number and make the contract relatively team-friendly. That structure attracts front offices thinking long-term, but any acquiring club needs to believe he’s the right fit beyond just the numbers.
Contract Value vs. Durability Concerns
On talent alone, Marte stands out. He’s a switch-hitting All-Star who can anchor a lineup and handle second base.
But durability has become a recurring question. Over the past five seasons, he’s surpassed 140 games played only once, which makes analytically minded executives hesitate.
Last season, he missed time after a burglary at his Scottsdale home during the All-Star break. While the incident was understandably traumatic, some teammates reportedly questioned how long he stayed away from the field.
Publicly, manager Torey Lovullo and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo voiced support for Marte. Behind the scenes, though, questions about his reliability and clubhouse presence have nudged Arizona closer to exploring a reset at second base.
Arizona’s Return: Young Arms or No Deal
The Diamondbacks want young, controllable starting pitching in any Marte deal.
With key arms recovering from Tommy John surgery, Arizona’s front office is trying to remain competitive now while reinforcing the rotation for the next three to five years.
Marte probably won’t bring back a Daulton Varsho-level haul. Still, with his contract and skill set, the Diamondbacks expect a serious package.
Red Sox Among Marte Suitors as Market for Star Talent Heats Up
The Boston Red Sox have emerged as one of the main clubs showing interest in Marte. He’s far from their only target, though.
Boston’s looking at multiple ways to reshape the top of its lineup, with Marte in the mix alongside big-name free agents like:
Three Other Teams in Play for Marte
Beyond Boston, three additional, still-unnamed clubs are in the mix for Marte. The profile isn’t hard to guess: teams competing now, with enough pitching depth in the farm to justify a big trade.
For these contenders, Marte offers a rare shot to upgrade second base with an impact bat—assuming they trust his health and clubhouse fit.
Astros, Royals, and Schwarber Headlines: A Busy Winter Market
Marte isn’t the only headline coming out of the Winter Meetings. Several other clubs are aggressively reshaping their rosters, especially the Astros, Royals, and Phillies.
Astros and Royals Pushing in Different Ways
The Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals have been especially active in trade talks, both targeting pitching and outfield help as they chase different stages of contention.
The Royals, for instance, re-signed second baseman Jonathan India to a one-year, $8 million deal. It’s not a blockbuster, but it signals Kansas City wants to stabilize its infield and avoid a hole at second base—a move that could indirectly affect the Marte market by removing one potential suitor.
Kyle Schwarber’s Market Explodes
On the free-agent front, Kyle Schwarber has become one of the most sought-after designated hitters. Multiple teams have reportedly submitted offers that would set new franchise records financially.
The Philadelphia Phillies really want to keep Schwarber and are considering an offer around five years and $145 million. For a left-handed slugger with game-changing power and a proven postseason track record, that’s a big commitment—but it shows how rare elite bats have become.
Cardinals’ Deconstruction and Jorge Polanco’s Priorities
Few teams have embraced change this winter like the St. Louis Cardinals. They seem to be systematically tearing down parts of a once-stable core.
St. Louis Listens on Big Names
Several Cardinals players, like Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado, might be available if the situation is right. The club seems ready to hit reset and shake things up.
For other teams, that’s a real shot to land proven stars. At the same time, it’s a pretty blunt reminder—no one’s spot is truly safe when a franchise decides to change course.
Meanwhile, free-agent infielder Jorge Polanco isn’t shy about what matters to him: comfort and winning. That kind of clarity probably cuts a few teams off his list.
He doesn’t seem interested in joining clubs like St. Louis if they’re heading into a rebuild. He wants to avoid teams that are tearing down instead of pushing for something bigger.
Here is the source article for this story: What I’m hearing about Ketel Marte’s trade market and more from MLB’s winter meetings
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s