Baltimore Orioles Can Make A Big Splash By Trading For Diamondbacks Star

The Baltimore Orioles have an excellent opportunity to build around Silver Slugger finalist Pete Alonso after an underwhelming season that saw them finish 79-82 overall and miss the playoffs for the second-straight year.

Going into next season, Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte may be an intriguing option on the trade market with Arizona owner Ken Kendrick confirming a reduced payroll for 2027, according to Sports Business Journal.

The 33-year-old wrapped up the season slashing .249/.316/.432 and owning an impressive .748 OPS across 141 games. He also drove in 76 runs while launching 22 homers.

Despite Marte's consistent production, both sides could be looking for a fresh start given that the Diamondbacks have failed to reach the playoffs since 2023. Moreover, he missed a portion of August with left knee soreness while also being placed on Arizona's restricted list for not showing up to their Aug. 17 matchup against the Boston Red Sox.

Although he has a full no-trade clause in his current contract, the Orioles having a proven competitor in Alonso plus a newly hired general manager in Jared Banner could convince Marte to waive it in a potential deal, especially if the Diamondbacks get off to another rough start.

Having another solid bat in the lineup can do wonders for Alonso next year as it would give opposing managers and pitchers an extra player to gameplan for. Marte displayed exceptional confidence in the batter's box, recording a 19.7% whiff rate and a low 13.8% strikeout rate. 

Marte mashed against lefties, hitting .307 and logging a .930 OPS. Even though his .230 batting average against righties wasn't anything to write home about, that can be improved over time and a change of scenery in Baltimore could just be what he needs to flourish.

However, the Orioles shouldn't stop at targeting Marte or a similar bat this offseason. Their pitching will also be something they have to address with starter Trevor Rogers testing the free agent market.

Rogers was a key piece in Baltimore's rotation, compiling a 4.03 ERA with 157 strikeouts in 30 starts this year. Losing him means that they would have to lean on an injury-riddled Kyle Bradish and inconsistent Shane Baz.

Furthermore, the Orioles must decide on the future of Gunnar Henderson who regressed at the plate this year, hitting .225 this season. Even then, moving on from Henderson at just 25 years old for an insufficient return may be a mistake that president of baseball operations Mike Elias can't afford to make.

With that, going after Marte would be a great move for Baltimore but it can't be all that their front office does in the coming months.