Diamondbacks Weigh Ketel Marte Trade Amid Pitching Additions
The Arizona Diamondbacks have become a major focus in MLB news this week as they remain open to trading star second baseman Ketel Marte even after signing pitchers Merrill Kelly and Michael Soroka. According to reports from both MLB.com and The Athletic, the Diamondbacks are seeking either MLB-ready talent or top prospects in exchange for Marte. This signals that Arizona is not satisfied with just improving their pitching staff and is looking to reshape their roster for the future. Several teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Tampa Bay Rays, have shown strong interest in acquiring Marte, making him one of the most talked-about players on the market.
Marte’s contract is considered affordable, with $91 million owed over five years and a player option after the 2030 season. The Diamondbacks are demanding a significant return, reflecting Marte’s value as a top performer. In 2025, he hit 28 home runs, posted an .893 OPS, and delivered 4.6 WAR in 126 games. Since 2023, he ranks among the top 15 players in both WAR and wRC+, and he has earned a Silver Slugger Award and two All-Star selections. Trade talks with the Rays reportedly involve pitchers Ryan Pepiot and Shane Baz, while other teams may need to offer a high-profile starter plus additional assets. Marte’s no-trade list includes five teams, but the market for him remains strong.
Royals and Red Sox Explore Outfield and Pitching Trades
The Kansas City Royals are also active in trade discussions, especially regarding outfielder Jarren Duran. Despite recent signings, the Royals are open to moving Duran, and talks may involve sending left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans to the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox, meanwhile, are aggressively pursuing upgrades to their lineup. They are targeting impact bats such as Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, and they remain engaged in trade talks for Ketel Marte. The Red Sox are also exploring options for Japanese stars Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto, with a deadline for Murakami’s posting set for December 22. While interest in Eugenio Suárez is lukewarm, the Red Sox are willing to trade pitching depth to improve other areas.
Giants and Mariners Target Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan
Both the San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners have emerged as frontrunners to acquire St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan. The Cardinals are seeking multiple top prospects in return, and discussions have included Mariners’ prospects Jurrangelo Cijntje and Lazaro Montes, as well as Giants’ prospects Gavin Kilen and Carson Whisenhunt. These talks highlight the high demand for quality infielders this offseason. Both the Giants and Mariners are also involved in the Marte sweepstakes, showing that top second basemen are a major focus for contending teams.
Mets Make Moves, Eye More Additions
The New York Mets have been busy, signing infielder Jorge Polanco to a two-year deal to play primarily at first base and designated hitter. The Mets also traded Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien, signaling a shift in their infield strategy. The team is considering adding outfielders such as Luis Robert Jr., Kyle Tucker (the top free agent), and Cody Bellinger. The Mets are also debating whether to trade for pitcher Tarik Skubal or wait for free agency, and they have shown interest in Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta. While they reached out about Cardinals first baseman Wilson Contreras, the Polanco signing has reduced their need at that position.
Blue Jays and Braves Pursue Top Free Agents
The Toronto Blue Jays are seen as the favorites to sign free agent Kyle Tucker if they are willing to meet his $400 million asking price. This would be a major move for the Blue Jays as they look to add a power bat to their lineup. The Atlanta Braves have also been active, signing outfielder Mike Yastrzemski to a two-year deal and reliever Robert Suarez to a three-year contract. The Braves are monitoring the market for top free agents like Zac Gallen but may prioritize a trade for shortstop Bo Bichette instead.
Padres, Cubs, and Orioles Make Strategic Decisions
The San Diego Padres made it clear that superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. is “untouchable,” according to general manager A.J. Preller. The Chicago Cubs have seen infielder Nico Hoerner’s name surface in trade talks, but a deal is considered unlikely as he is under team control until after the 2026 season. The Baltimore Orioles signed Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract, creating a logjam at first base. The Orioles may use this surplus to trade for starting pitching, targeting arms like Edward Cabrera or Mackenzie Gore. They are also interested in free-agent lefties Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez.
Brewers’ Freddy Peralta Draws Widespread Interest
The Milwaukee Brewers are fielding offers for right-hander Freddy Peralta, who is highly sought after due to his low salary and high performance. Teams such as the New York Yankees, Red Sox, Giants, Orioles, and Astros have all expressed interest. The Brewers expect a big return, even though Peralta has only one year of team control remaining. This situation is being closely watched as it could impact the pitching market for the rest of the offseason.
Summary: A Busy Week Sets the Stage for the 2024 MLB Season
This past week in Major League Baseball has been marked by intense trade rumors, key signings, and strategic moves as teams position themselves for the 2024 season. The Diamondbacks’ willingness to trade Ketel Marte despite recent pitching signings has set off a flurry of activity among contenders. The Red Sox, Giants, Mariners, and Blue Jays are all looking to make major additions, while the Mets and Braves continue to reshape their rosters. The Padres and Orioles are making clear decisions about their core players, and the Brewers are in a strong position to capitalize on the market for pitching.
As the offseason continues, fans can expect more blockbuster trades and signings. The market for top infielders and pitchers remains hot, and teams are not hesitating to make bold moves. With so many clubs involved in high-stakes negotiations, the landscape of the 2024 MLB season is already taking shape. The next few weeks will be crucial as teams finalize their rosters and prepare for spring training, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year in baseball.