The Seattle Mariners entered the offseason knowing that tough decisions and creative problem-solving would be required to keep pace in an increasingly competitive American League. That reality became even clearer when Jorge Polanco departed in free agency, agreeing to a deal with the New York Mets and leaving a noticeable void in Seattle’s lineup. While the Mariners were able to retain Josh Naylor and preserve some continuity in the middle of the order, the offense remains an area of concern as the organization looks ahead to the 2025 season.
Seattle’s front office has been consistent in its messaging: the club believes its championship window is still wide open, largely because of its elite pitching infrastructure. The Mariners continue to boast one of the deepest collections of starting pitching in the majors, both at the big-league level and in the upper tiers of the farm system. That surplus gives them flexibility, and with Polanco gone, it also provides a potential pathway to address their offensive needs through the trade market rather than free agency.
Over the course of the offseason, Seattle has already been linked to several prominent infield bats. Two names, in particular, have surfaced repeatedly in rumors and reporting: St. Louis Cardinals standout Brendan Donovan and Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte. Donovan, a versatile contact-oriented hitter with strong on-base skills, has often been framed as the more realistic or attainable option. However, Marte’s name continues to hover prominently around the Mariners, and recent reporting suggests Seattle’s interest in the three-time All-Star is very much alive.
According to MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand, the Mariners are among the teams still monitoring Marte’s trade market. Feinsand adds that Seattle is not alone in that pursuit, as the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays are also believed to be exploring the possibility of prying Marte away from Arizona. That level of competition could complicate matters, but it also underscores just how impactful Marte would be for any contender fortunate enough to acquire him.
For the Mariners, landing Marte would represent a significant upgrade to an offense that has too often struggled with consistency. The switch-hitting infielder is coming off an outstanding season in which he slashed .283/.376/.517, belted 28 home runs, and posted an .893 OPS along with a 145 OPS+. Those numbers place him firmly among the league’s most productive middle-infield bats, and his ability to contribute from both sides of the plate would immediately lengthen Seattle’s lineup.
Beyond the raw production, Marte offers a level of versatility that is particularly appealing to a Mariners roster still searching for the right alignment. He has experience at second base, shortstop, and even in the outfield, giving manager Scott Servais multiple ways to deploy him depending on matchups and health considerations. That flexibility would be invaluable over the course of a long season and could help stabilize several areas of the roster at once.
At 32 years old, Marte also brings a veteran presence to a clubhouse that blends young pitching stars with a lineup still trying to establish a consistent identity. His postseason experience and track record of success in high-leverage situations could prove especially useful for a Mariners team that believes it is capable of making a deep October run if it can just find a little more offensive punch.
The challenge, of course, lies in the cost of acquisition. Arizona is not actively shopping Marte, and any trade discussion would start with the understanding that the Diamondbacks would need to be overwhelmed by an offer. Beat reporter Daniel Kramer has noted that Arizona’s primary focus in trade talks would likely be pitching, particularly Major League–ready arms that can help them remain competitive in the near term. That is precisely where Seattle’s greatest strength — and biggest dilemma — comes into play.
The Mariners have built their recent success on the backs of a dominant rotation, and there is understandable hesitation about disrupting that foundation. Trading from a position of strength makes sense in theory, but giving up a reliable starter always carries risk. Injuries, regression, and the unpredictability of pitching depth can quickly turn what looks like a surplus into a vulnerability.
Still, Seattle’s depth gives them options. The organization has accumulated a number of young starters who are either already contributing at the big-league level or are on the cusp of doing so. That reality makes the idea of parting with one Major League–ready arm more palatable, especially if it results in acquiring the best offensive player currently available on the trade market.
One name that has been floated as a logical trade chip is Bryce Miller. Miller has shown flashes of being a quality starter, and his combination of age, upside, and affordability would be attractive to a team like Arizona. Moving Miller would not be painless, but it would not necessarily cripple Seattle’s rotation either, given the remaining depth behind him.
From a strategic standpoint, this is the type of calculated risk contending teams often have to take. The Mariners have reached a point where incremental upgrades may no longer be enough. Adding a player of Marte’s caliber could shift the balance of power in the AL West and provide Seattle with the kind of middle-of-the-order threat that can change the complexion of a series.
There is also a sentimental angle to consider. Marte began his major league career with the Mariners back in 2015, debuting as a highly regarded prospect before being dealt to Arizona in a trade that, at the time, was viewed as a necessary move. A reunion would bring his career full circle and offer Seattle a chance to finally reap the rewards of the player he has become.
That said, the Mariners are not operating in a vacuum. Boston and Toronto both have compelling reasons to pursue Marte, and either club could potentially put together a package that rivals or exceeds Seattle’s best offer. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, are under no obligation to rush a decision, particularly if they believe Marte can continue to anchor their lineup.
This competitive landscape raises an important question for Seattle: how aggressive are they truly willing to be? Opting for Brendan Donovan instead of Marte would likely require a less dramatic sacrifice of pitching depth, and Donovan’s skill set would still address some of the team’s offensive shortcomings. He would not provide the same level of power, but his contact ability and versatility could make him a strong complementary piece.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to philosophy. Do the Mariners prioritize maintaining maximum pitching depth and making a safer, more conservative addition? Or do they embrace a bolder approach, accepting some discomfort in order to secure a star who could elevate the entire roster?
There is no easy answer, and the front office will undoubtedly weigh every variable before making a move. What is clear, however, is that standing pat is not an appealing option. The departure of Polanco has left a hole that must be filled, and the Mariners’ aspirations demand more than marginal tweaks.
If Seattle does decide to push its chips to the center of the table, Ketel Marte represents the kind of player who can justify that gamble. His offensive production, versatility, and experience align perfectly with what the Mariners need, even if the cost is significant. Whether the organization ultimately chooses that path or settles on a more modest alternative will be one of the defining storylines of their offseason.
As trade discussions continue to evolve, all eyes will be on how far the Mariners are willing to go. A reunion with Marte would signal a clear commitment to winning now, while also acknowledging that championships are rarely won without taking calculated risks. For a franchise hungry to take the next step, that decision may soon arrive.
