The Philadelphia Phillies could still try and complete a trade for this All-Star slugger at some point this season.
The Philadelphia Phillies were pretty quiet throughout the offseason, with their most significant additions coming in the form of outfielder Adolis Garcia and relief pitcher Brad Keller.
Yes, the Phillies did re-sign Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, but for the most part, they are running it back with the same team from 2025.
However, it seems highly doubtful that Philadelphia's roster will look the same by the end of the season.
The Phillies are almost always involved when it comes to big names on the trade block, and one player to watch for them in that regard is Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte.
The Diamondbacks decided not to trade Marte this winter, which made sense considering that he is under contract through 2031 (the last year is a player option) on an incredibly team-friendly deal. But his name could surface in trade rumors again before the August deadline.
If that ends up being the case, Philadelphia could comprise a landing spot for the three-time All-Star, especially considering that Alec Bohm is likely playing his final season in Philly at the hot corner.
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte. Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images.If things go according to plan for the Phillies, Aidan Miller will be taking over at third base in 2027. So if Philadelphia acquires Marte now, it can re-home Bohm, slide Bryson Stott over to third until Miller is ready and have Marte play second base.
Marte is exactly the type of bat the Phillies need alongside of Schwarber and Bryce Harper. He slashed .283/.376/.517 with 28 home runs and 72 RBI over 556 plate appearances last season and is two years removed from smashing 36 homers, posting a .932 OPS and finishing third in NL MVP voting.
The 32-year-old owns a career .281/.351/.472 slash line and has been an elite defender at second base, so he would help Philadelphia in more ways than one.
Marte is making $16 million this year and is slated to earn just $12 million in 2027, so it's not like he would harm Philly's payroll that much, either.
It's hard to find a more ideal trade target for the Phillies, and if the Diamondbacks fall out of the race early, it's easy to see Philadelphia emerge as a trade partner to land Marte.
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