Yankees' Ketel Marte Trade Buzz is Already Starting

The New York Yankees have a big hole at second base right now, and their answer might not be in free agency.

The Yankees could always explore the trade market for options, and you're sure to hear one name in particular connected to New York in the coming weeks: Ketel Marte.

In fact, it has already started. Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors has tabbed the Yankees as one of the best fits for Marte, who appears to be on the outs with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

But just how wise would a move for Marte be?

A couple of years ago, Marte was one of the best players in baseball. He finished third in NL MVP voting in 2024 after smashing 36 home runs and posting a .932 OPS while playing phenomenal defense. In 2025, he homered 28 times with an .893 OPS.

But this past season, things took a turn for the worse.

Marte slashed just .249/.316/.432 with 22 long balls and 76 RBI. He also went AWOL on the Diamondbacks in the middle of a pennant race, further damaging his already dicey clubhouse reputation.

And now, with Marte being 33 years old and having five years left on his contract, Arizona seems to be deciding it's time to part ways.

Even after a down year, Marte would comprise an upgrade for the Yankees at second base. That isn't a question. But is he worth the headache?

It's clear Marte is declining. Yes, he's had some pedestrian years in the past, like in 2022 when he recorded a .727 OPS, but I don't think it's a coincidence that he just took a major step back in his age-32 campaign.

Not only that, but Marte is clearly a locker-room problem. He has been for quite some time, and his behavior in 2026 was the icing on the cake.

Perhaps the three-time All-Star would change in the Bronx, as many players do. But you would also be taking a pretty significant risk.

I will say that Marte's contract isn't awful. He will make $13.75 million in 2027. He will then collect $20 million in 2028, $22 million in both 2029 an 2030 and has a player option for $11.5 million in 2031.

That isn't a terrible deal, especially if he can turn back the clock and produce at the level we have seen in the past.

He also probably wouldn't cost a ton in terms of prospect capital. Not after what we saw from him both on and off the field this past year.

But is the juice worth the squeeze for the Yankees? Or is this a player who is already past his expiration date?