Blue Jays Eye Ketel Marte to Bolster Championship Push

The Toronto Blue Jays came heartbreakingly close to winning the 2025 World Series, and now they face a critical offseason decision to push past the final hurdle. With a talented roster already in place, the Jays need a transformative piece to elevate their lineup and improve infield flexibility. Arizona Diamondbacks switch-hitter Ketel Marte has emerged as a prime candidate.

Marte brings a blend of versatility and consistent production that aligns perfectly with Toronto’s championship ambitions. At 32, he offers elite offensive output and the ability to play multiple infield positions, making him a rare commodity for contending teams. His contract through 2030 with a player option for 2031 also ensures team-friendly financial terms for the near future.

Adding Marte would complement the Blue Jays’ recently secured shortstop Bo Bichette, giving the club unprecedented lineup options and positional flexibility. Toronto could field a middle infield pairing capable of delivering both offensive firepower and defensive reliability, crucial ingredients for a deep postseason run.

However, acquiring Marte will not come without challenges. The Diamondbacks are unlikely to part with a cornerstone player signed to a six-year, $116.5 million extension, and any trade proposal must adequately account for Arizona’s competitive ambitions while enticing Marte himself.

1. Marte’s Value and Versatility

Ketel Marte has proven himself as a consistent offensive force, finishing the 2025 season with a .283 batting average, 28 home runs, and an .893 OPS over 126 games. He also carries postseason pedigree, including a remarkable .412 batting average during Arizona’s 2017 playoff run. Beyond his bat, Marte’s positional flexibility is a major asset. He can capably play second base, shortstop, and even outfield positions, allowing manager John Schneider to configure the lineup strategically. This adaptability gives Toronto the ability to maximize offensive and defensive efficiency while preserving roster depth. Even at age 32, Marte remains productive, averaging 4.4 WAR over the past two seasons. His combination of consistent production, switch-hitting capability, and positional versatility makes him a rare target for teams pursuing a championship. From a financial standpoint, Marte’s contract remains relatively affordable for a player of his caliber. With salaries starting at $14 million in 2025 and escalating to $22 million by 2028, the Blue Jays would secure elite output without sacrificing long-term payroll flexibility.

2. Trade Challenges and Considerations

Arizona’s commitment to Marte complicates any potential deal. The Diamondbacks recently extended him through 2030, including $46 million in deferred payments, and the player himself has expressed a desire to remain with his current team. Convincing Arizona to part with a cornerstone player will require a package that balances immediate value and future upside. Toronto’s infield depth, while strong at shortstop with Bichette, lacks consistent middle-of-the-order production. Pairing him with Marte would instantly upgrade both offense and defense, creating one of baseball’s most formidable middle-infield combinations. To succeed, Toronto must structure a trade that addresses Arizona’s long-term rebuild while signaling serious championship intent. The proposal needs to combine top prospects and draft assets with tangible MLB-ready talent to justify parting with a star player. Ultimately, any deal would require careful negotiation to align the interests of all parties—Toronto, Arizona, and Marte himself—while ensuring the Blue Jays remain positioned for a deep playoff run.

3. Proposed Trade Package

Toronto would need to offer a combination of top prospects and future draft assets to convince Arizona to part with Ketel Marte. Pitchers Ricky Tiedemann and Gage Stanifer are key pieces, both young arms with upside who could contribute to the Diamondbacks’ rotation or bullpen in the near future. Outfielder JoJo Parker and shortstop Arjun Nimmala would provide Arizona with MLB-ready depth and potential long-term starters, adding immediate value to the roster while complementing their rebuilding efforts. These prospects represent a meaningful infusion of talent that aligns with Arizona’s long-term organizational goals. In addition to the prospects, the Blue Jays would include their 2026 first-round draft pick, protected in the top 15, and the 2027 second-round pick. These picks offer Arizona flexibility to further replenish their farm system and provide a foundation for sustained success in the coming seasons. In return, Toronto would receive Ketel Marte, a proven switch-hitter capable of playing multiple positions with consistent offensive production. The trade balances Arizona’s rebuild with Toronto’s championship aspirations, giving both clubs tangible value while keeping payroll considerations manageable.