The New York Mets are searching for a right-handed hitter, and Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte has emerged as a strong option.
Ketel Marte, Mets Rumors Heat Up After Latest Trade
After the Mets traded long-time second baseman Jeff McNeil to the Athletics on Monday, independent journalist Francys Romero reported that the team has explored Ketel Marte or at least engaged in trade discussions surrounding him. The Rays and Red Sox have also discussed the three-time All-Star, with both clubs previously pushing hard for a deal.
If the Mets were to acquire Marte, they would likely have to send pitching in return. Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong — two young prospects who made their major league debuts this past season in a heated playoff push — would be the headliners. While the Diamondbacks would love Nolan McLean, the No. 1-ranked pitching prospect according to MLB Pipeline, the Mets have made it known that he is “untouchable” in trade talks.
Marte wouldn’t play second base for the Mets, with Gold Glove winner Marcus Semien already at the position. Instead, the 32-year-old would play third base, or could perhaps make the transition to left field. Though the team would be fine going into the season with No. 2-ranked prospect Carson Benge in left and Tyrone Taylor in center field, Marte operating the corner spot isn’t as far-fetched as some may think. The athleticism is certainly still there, and he has experience in the outfield. Over his 11-year career, Marte has logged 174 games in center – the most challenging outfield position out of the three.
Of course, a trade for Marte remains unlikely, given the president of baseball operations, David Stearns’s reluctance to trade top-ranked arms, or any top-ranked prospects for that matter.
Kazuma Okamoto: Unlikely
With the signing of Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal, Kazuma Okamoto now seems unlikely to land in Queens. I say Queens, not New York, because the Bronx is still very much a possibility.
Shortly after reports surfaced that the Mets had reached an agreement with Polanco, league sources said the team expects him to play first base. Polanco later confirmed that plan during his introductory press conference, saying, “I’ve been told that I would play a good amount of first base.” He added that he could also “bounce around” the diamond if need be, likely as a replacement for a potentially injured Brett Baty, Semien, or even Francisco Lindor.
While Okamoto is right-handed, it seems as though the team will pursue an outfielder before another infielder. Executives around the league believe Okamoto will land on a small-market team, or a “lesser market.” The Mets still have yet to be linked to the 29-year-old NBP star, though things are always fluid.
More on the Return for McNeil
Alongside Jeff McNeil, the Mets sent $5.75 million to help offset some of the second baseman’s $15.75 million salary. The club will pay the $2 million buyout if the A’s do not exercise McNeil’s club option for the 2027 season.
In return, the A’s sent right-hander Yordan Rodriguez. A 17-year-old who played his first professional season in the Dominican Summer League this year. He posted a 2.93 ERA in 15 1/3 innings, striking out 20 batters. Rodriguez signed with the A’s for $400K out of Cuba. His fastball can reach up to 96 MPH with some ride, and he has shown the ability to spin a slider. This move wasn’t exactly a salary dump. The Mets truly believe in Rodriguez as he will now enter their system.
“We are excited to bring Yordan [Rodriguz] into our system, Stearns said, he is a young right-hander with a promising future.”
Main Photo Credits: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
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