The New York Yankees could be trying to pave their way to a massive trade for Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte.
The New York Yankees were very quiet at the MLB Winter Meetings, but suddenly, things are starting to heat up in the Bronx.
The Yankees seem to be very active in trade discussions right now, as they have expressed interest in Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta and are now apparently fielding offers on All-Star second baseman Jazz Chisholm, via ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Chisholm has one year remaining on his contract and stands to land around $200 million on his next deal, and New York may not be willing to pay that cost. So the Chisholm trade rumors make sense.
But is there a bigger plan here?
It seems hard to imagine the Yankees would move Chisholm — who belted 31 home runs this past season — without a contingency plan ... or without an upgrade in mind.
And who could comprise that potential upgrade for New York? How about Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte?
Marte has been floated in trade speculation throughout the entire offseason, and the Yanks have been potential as a possible destination. The prevailing thought was that the Yankees could stick Marte at the hot corner, but what if they just move Chisholm to clear room for him?
Chisholm has value. He posted an .813 OPS while stealing 31 bases in 2025. He also displayed tremendous improvement defensively. The Yankees could probably reap a decent return for him. They could then use some of that return to fill out other spots on the roster or as part of a package for Marte.
Marte is a massive upgrade over Chisholm. Yes, he's 32 years old, but he slashed .283/.376/.517 with 28 homers and 72 RBI while playing very good defense at second base this past year. He is also two seasons removed from smashing 36 homers while recording a .932 OPS.
Additionally, he is under contract through 2031 on just $19.4 million in average annual value. In fact, he is slated to earn a mere $16 million in 2026. That is an absolute steal for a player of his caliber.
The switch-hitting superstar also owns a lifetime .974 OPS over 21 playoff games.
The Chisholm trade chatter truly only adds up if the Yankees have a replacement on deck. Otherwise, it doesn't really jive if New York wants to contend for a World Series next season.
Perhaps New York is already zeroing in on Marte.