The current situation for the Dodgers at second base has raised doubts due to the constant rotations between several players without achieving consistent offensive production. The numbers confirm this, as their combined OPS in that position is just .643, well below the standard of a team with World Series aspirations
That’s why the name of Ketel Marte, star of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has begun to resonate in rumors of possible moves for next offseason. Although Marte is under contract until 2028 for a total of $116.5 million, his offensive performance in 2025 and his team’s poor form could open the door for an unexpected trade.
Why are the Dodgers interested in Ketel Marte?
The Dominican second baseman is having an elite season with 23 home runs, 59 RBIs and a .290/.389/.532 slash line with a .922 OPS. In contrast, the Dodgers have had to alternate between Tommy Edman, Kike Hernandez, Miguel Rojas and others, without finding a solid or explosive solution at the plate.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer explained why Marte would fit in Los Angeles: “As their farm system is ranked No. 1 by MLB Pipeline, the Dodgers have the high-end talent to close a deal with Marte,” he wrote, making it clear that there are pieces to negotiate and an upgrade like Marte’s would be immediate.
Swap between West rivals: Will the D-backs take the risk?
Although the sporting logic might justify a trade, the internal politics between divisions complicates matters. The Dodgers and Diamondbacks share the National League West Division and giving up their best rival to a direct rival would not be a light decision.
Arizona has already sold pieces at the deadline and is expected to continue to shed heavy contracts. However, if the Dodgers are the trade partner, the price would be much higher. And while Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman usually avoids paying exaggerated premiums in trades, the current need could force him to consider the exception.
Read the full article here
