Ketel Marte “Absolutely Not” Available Per DBacks Beat Writer(s) Mets Not a Good Fit For Trade

By: Nick Wilson

Crossing my WRC+’S dotting my ZiPS, I’ve contacted several beat writers over the past several days to see which center fielders might be available this Winter. One name that immediately comes to mind is Ketel Marte, a player on the Diamondbacks who can play Center, Second, and Shortstop. Marte is one of the games most valuable pieces and would fit in quite nicely on the Mets roster. I spoke with Dbacks beat writers Nick Piecoro (Arizona Republic) and Zach Buchanon (Athletic) gave me the answers I needed…

I first asked Zach Buchanon of the Athletic if Marte was available, and if so what the Mets would likely need to give up to acquire him. This was his response:

It makes sense. Zach went on to explain that the team certainly has no Intention of a rebuild, and therefor would keep a dynamic cost controlled piece like Marte. Still, the Diamondbacks have several highly promising center field prospects on the way like Kristian Robinson, Alek Thomas Corbin Carrol, Dominic Fletcher and at the lower levels.

Names like Stuart Fairchild could be productive in center as soon as 2021, and based on his numbers in the minors could make an impact right away.

While the Diamondbacks have a small army of center fielders on the way if a trade for Marte was made, it’s hard to see the Mets being a good fit. The Dbacks have a first baseman in Christian Walker. They have a SS in Nick Ahmed, and it’s hard to imagine JD Davis moving the needle for a guy like Marte. The cost would likely be Prospects, an area where the Mets are ill equipped to deal from.

If the DBacks do ever have an inclination to move Marte, now might be the best time. Teams are hurting financially, and he’s cost controlled. The free agent market is barren for decent and affordable options in center, and Marte is one of the games most valuable and productive assets at the postion. If the Dbacks did move him, the return could be incredible.