The Seattle Mariners may soon find themselves shifting to a backup strategy as they explore options to fill a crucial role in their infield and designated hitter mix. For much of the 2025 campaign, that job belonged to Jorge Polanco, who provided the team with valuable switch-hitting production and defensive flexibility. However, with Polanco now on the open market as a free agent, the direction of his career—and whether it will continue in Seattle—remains far from settled.
In mid-November, Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto acknowledged that the organization had indeed opened contract discussions with Polanco. While he confirmed that Seattle hoped to keep the veteran infielder, Dipoto also made it clear that the two sides were not close to finalizing a deal. His comments suggested a mixture of optimism and realism: the Mariners appreciate Polanco’s value, but they know they cannot wait indefinitely if he chooses to survey the market for better terms or a more appealing situation.
Complicating matters further are reports emerging from Boston, indicating that the Red Sox have expressed interest in Polanco as well. Boston’s involvement raises the likelihood that a bidding war—or at least a competitive market—could push Polanco beyond Seattle’s comfort zone financially or structurally. With another team actively courting him, the Mariners cannot assume his return is guaranteed, and they may have to prepare for the possibility that he signs elsewhere.
If Polanco ultimately lands with another club, Seattle might actually have a surprisingly strong backup plan waiting. In a recent proposal highlighted by Bleacher Report, the outlet imagined a scenario in which the Mariners swing a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte.
Marte, a three-time All-Star and the current holder of the National League Silver Slugger award at second base, would represent a significant upgrade rather than just a fallback option. His offensive consistency, positional versatility, and switch-hitting profile mirror many of Polanco’s strengths—but with higher production and a longer track record of elite performance.
What makes the idea even more intriguing is Marte’s history with the Seattle franchise. Before emerging as one of the cornerstone players in Arizona, Marte actually launched his big-league career with the Mariners. His familiarity with Seattle’s environment, staff, and organizational expectations could help smooth a potential reunion. For the Mariners, bringing back a player who has since blossomed into one of the best middle infielders in the game would represent both a compelling narrative and a major on-field boost.
Of course, such a trade would require Arizona’s willingness to move one of its franchise pillars, which remains uncertain. But the concept illustrates that Seattle does not necessarily face a bleak situation if Polanco departs. Instead, the Mariners could use this offseason as an opportunity to reimagine the roster and perhaps even upgrade the position that Polanco once occupied. Whether they reunite with their former infielder or pivot toward a bold new addition like Marte, the Mariners appear intent on ensuring that the 2026 roster remains competitive and well-balanced.
Seattle Mariners Have Deep Prospect Pool to Make a Major Trade
Bleacher Report’s recent discussion of Ketel Marte’s trade availability isn’t coming out of nowhere. On November 25, MLB insider Jon Morosi revealed that the Arizona Diamondbacks are “actively listening” to trade inquiries regarding their star infielder. Shortly after that report surfaced, MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds openly identified the Seattle Mariners as a logical landing spot for Marte, further fueling speculation that a serious trade scenario could emerge.
Although Jorge Polanco performed admirably for Seattle this past season—and would almost certainly cost less to retain—the reality is that Marte represents a far more impactful addition. The Mariners, fresh off capturing the AL West title and narrowly missing a World Series berth, appear to be right on the edge of championship contention. Given how close they came in 2025, the organization’s leadership should feel a strong sense of urgency. Now is the time for decisive upgrades, and bringing in a player of Marte’s caliber would send a clear message that the club is committed to taking the next step.
Bleacher Report outlined a potential trade framework that could make such a move possible. In this proposal, Seattle would send right-hander Logan Evans along with two of their better middle-infield prospects—Michael Arroyo and Felnin Celesten—to Arizona.
Both Arroyo and Celesten currently rank within the organization’s top 10 prospects, placing sixth and ninth respectively. For a front office that has invested heavily in building a deep farm system, moving two premium young talents would be a significant decision. Yet, the return—a proven All-Star-level second baseman under contract—could justify the price.
If the Mariners were to complete this trade, Marte would immediately take over as the team’s starting second baseman for the foreseeable future. Pairing him with shortstop J.P. Crawford would solidify Seattle’s middle infield defensively and offensively. However, such a move could also reshape the developmental paths for several rising prospects. With Marte and Crawford locked into everyday roles, younger infielders might see fewer opportunities to play their natural positions at the big-league level.
This crowding becomes even more notable considering the rest of Seattle’s minor-league talent. Beyond Arroyo and Celesten, the Mariners also feature two other elite infield prospects: Colt Emerson and Tai Peete. Both players are viewed as long-term building blocks and could potentially break into the majors within the next few years. Acquiring Marte would give Seattle a stable veteran presence, but it may also force the club to reconsider how it intends to integrate its promising youth.
Ultimately, the idea of landing Ketel Marte underscores the balance Seattle must strike between competing now and managing its future. While Polanco represents a more economical and familiar option, Marte’s star power, versatility, and track record make him an appealing target for a team that believes its championship window is open. If the Mariners decide to pursue an aggressive move, the combination of their current core and a player of Marte’s caliber could be the spark that finally pushes them over the top.
Marte has Proved to be Worth the Massive Salary Hit
A major consideration in any attempt by the Seattle Mariners to acquire Ketel Marte is the financial commitment attached to the All-Star infielder. Marte’s contract is substantial; he is still owed more than $90 million through the 2030 season, a result of the hefty six-year, $116.5 million extension the Arizona Diamondbacks awarded him this past April.
That deal elevated him into the upper tier of earners at his position, placing him among the most highly compensated second basemen in Major League Baseball. Any team pursuing him must be prepared not only to part with valuable prospects or major-league talent but also to absorb a long-term financial responsibility that cannot be taken lightly.
For Seattle, this raises an intriguing question about organizational strategy and budget flexibility. Spotrac’s payroll tracking indicates that the Mariners carried the 12th-highest payroll in MLB during the 2025 season. They were not among the league’s biggest spenders, but they also operated well above the bottom tier.
As the offseason begins, it is unclear how aggressive the front office is prepared to be in terms of escalating payroll commitments. The Mariners have historically balanced spending with long-term sustainability, sometimes avoiding blockbuster financial moves unless they clearly align with a broader competitive vision. Adding Marte would qualify as one of those major moves, but it would also test Seattle’s willingness to stretch its payroll into a higher competitive bracket.
Despite the cost, Marte has consistently demonstrated that his on-field performance justifies a significant salary. In his most recent season, he posted an impressive 4.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), a figure reflecting his all-around value—both offensively and defensively—to the Diamondbacks. Beyond that, his offensive production placed him among baseball’s best.
He ranked inside the top ten across the league in on-base percentage (.376) and posted an elite .893 OPS, underscoring his ability to reach base, drive the ball consistently, and contribute meaningful power. Few second basemen combine Marte’s plate discipline, extra-base power, defensive versatility, and durability, making him one of the most complete middle infielders in the game today.
If Seattle were to complete a trade for Marte, it would carry implications well beyond a simple roster upgrade. Such a move would send a clear message across the league about the Mariners’ competitive intentions.
By taking on a major contract and adding a premier performer at a premium position, Seattle would be signaling that it is prepared to push aggressively toward contention. This type of acquisition would reflect organizational confidence in the team’s current core, emphasizing a commitment to building a roster capable of sustained postseason success.
Ultimately, while Marte’s contract presents a meaningful hurdle, his production, leadership, and long-term control could make him precisely the kind of impact player worth the investment. For the Mariners, deciding whether to take on that challenge may define their offseason approach and shape the trajectory of the franchise over the next several years.
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