After losing Jorge Polanco to free agency earlier this offseason, the Seattle Mariners find themselves at a familiar crossroads. The franchise has spent the past several years carefully building a roster capable of sustained contention, leaning on elite pitching, homegrown stars, and timely roster upgrades. Polanco’s departure leaves a noticeable hole in the infield, particularly at second base, and if the Mariners hope to remain among the American League’s elite, they cannot afford to stand still for long.
Seattle entered the winter knowing difficult decisions were ahead. Polanco’s bat, versatility, and veteran presence provided stability, but the front office also understands that standing pat in a highly competitive AL is rarely a winning strategy. The Astros continue to reload, Toronto remains a powerhouse, and emerging contenders across the league are aggressive in pursuing upgrades. For the Mariners, the question is not whether they should make a move — it is how bold that move should be.
One obvious possibility would be reuniting with Eugenio Suárez, a familiar face whose power bat and clubhouse leadership could help soften the loss of Polanco. Suárez brings proven production and comfort within Seattle’s system, making him an easy fit on paper. However, while a reunion might raise the team’s floor, it may not significantly elevate the Mariners’ ceiling. That reality has led to growing speculation that Seattle could aim higher, targeting a true impact player who can change the dynamic of the lineup and solidify the infield for years to come.
That idea gained traction when FanSided’s Christopher Kline reveal a bold solution: a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks superstar. The suggestion comes amid an increasingly competitive AL landscape, particularly after the Houston Astros made waves by landing Japanese star Tatsuya Imai. If Seattle wants to keep pace with rivals making headline-grabbing additions, acquiring a player of Marte’s caliber would certainly qualify as a statement move.
“Cal Raleigh is an MVP-caliber player. Julio Rodríguez might be the best No. 2 star in the AL,” Kline wrote. “This Mariners team was one Game 7 loss in the ALCS away from reaching the World Series. Now picture Polanco’s departure paving the way for Marte, who posted an .893 OPS and 4.6 fWAR in 2025. Marte is a legitimate four-and-a-half–tool player — a patient hitter with power, strong defense at second base, and enough speed to matter even without big stolen-base totals.”
Kline’s point underscores just how close Seattle already is. The Mariners were not a fringe playoff team scraping by on luck; they were legitimate contenders who came within a razor-thin margin of a World Series berth. Adding a player like Marte would not represent a rebuild or overhaul — it would be the final piece to an already strong foundation.
Ketel Marte’s resume speaks for itself. Over the past several seasons, he has established himself as one of the most complete players in baseball. His switch-hitting ability makes him difficult to match up against, while his plate discipline and power allow him to impact games in multiple ways. An .893 OPS and 4.6 fWAR in 2025 highlight his consistency and value, but numbers alone do not fully capture his influence. Marte controls the tempo of at-bats, punishes mistakes, and brings postseason experience — traits that translate well in high-leverage October baseball.
Defensively, Marte would be a seamless fit at second base. His instincts, range, and reliability would stabilize the middle infield, helping maximize Seattle’s strong pitching staff. For a team built around run prevention and efficient defense, this aspect of Marte’s game may be just as valuable as his bat.
“Starting games with Rodríguez, Raleigh, and Marte atop the lineup would feel almost unfair,” Kline continued, “especially if Raleigh can recapture even three-quarters of his MVP runner-up form from last year. Combined with Seattle’s pitching staff, the Mariners would suddenly look like favorites to win the AL — or at least the biggest threat to Toronto.”
That trio has the potential to become one of the most feared cores in the league. Julio Rodríguez remains the face of the franchise, blending power, speed, and charisma in a way few players can. Cal Raleigh’s emergence as an MVP candidate has added another elite presence to the lineup, particularly at a premium defensive position. Insert Marte into that mix, and opposing pitchers would be forced to navigate relentless pressure from the first inning onward.
Beyond the star power, Marte’s presence would deepen the lineup and reduce the burden on younger or streakier hitters. He would serve as both a run producer and a table-setter, creating more scoring opportunities and allowing Seattle to be less reliant on the long ball. In tight playoff games, that balance can be the difference between advancing and going home.
From a roster-construction standpoint, acquiring Marte makes sense. He would immediately slot in as the everyday second baseman, filling Polanco’s vacancy with a clear upgrade. His ability to hit near the top of the order would protect Raleigh while giving Rodríguez more opportunities to drive in runs or score himself. Few teams could match that combination of athleticism, patience, and power at the top of the lineup.
Of course, a trade of this magnitude would not come cheap. Arizona would justifiably demand a significant return for one of the best second basemen in baseball. However, the Mariners are uniquely positioned to make such a move. Their farm system is deep, particularly in pitching, and the organization has spent years stockpiling young talent for moments exactly like this.
Seattle could construct an appealing trade package by combining multiple top prospects rather than sacrificing a single untouchable asset. Including one or two young pitchers with upside, paired with a high-ceiling position player, might be enough to spark serious negotiations. For a Diamondbacks team potentially looking to retool or balance its roster, such a package could be difficult to ignore.
Ultimately, trading for Ketel Marte would signal that the Mariners are no longer content with incremental progress. It would be a declaration that the window to win is open — and that the front office is willing to act decisively to capitalize on it. With elite pitching already in place and a core of stars entering their prime, Seattle may never find a better opportunity to push its chips to the center of the table.
Whether or not a deal comes together remains to be seen, but the logic is clear. Replacing Jorge Polanco is not just about filling a roster spot; it is about elevating a contender into a favorite. If the Mariners truly want to separate themselves in a crowded American League, pursuing a player like Ketel Marte could be the move that defines their season — and perhaps their era.
