The Seattle Mariners may have to move on to plan B in their search for a versatile infielder/designated hitter. Jorge Polanco typically filled this role for the club during a successful 2025 season. The switch-hitter, however, is now a free agent, and his future remains uncertain.
Jerry Dipoto, Seattle’s president of baseball operations, claimed in mid-November that the club was in contract negotiations with Polanco. Nevertheless, the exec admitted that an agreement between the two sides was not imminent. The Mariners clearly would like to bring back Polanco, but they may be forced to look elsewhere. Multiple reports out of Boston also assert that the Red Sox are interested in Polanco as well.
Assuming that the veteran infielder does not return to Seattle, the Mariners could actually have a better contingency plan. Bleacher Report has concocted a trade idea that would see Seattle acquire Ketel Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The three-time All-Star and reigning Silver Slugger award winner previously began his MLB career with the Mariners.
Seattle Mariners Have Deep Prospect Pool to Make a Major Trade
GettyThe Seattle Mariners previously signed Ketel Marte as an international free agent in 2010.
Bleacher Report’s piece regarding Marte is not exactly just a shot in the dark. Baseball insider Jon Morosi reported on November 25 that the Diamondbacks are “actively listening” to offers for Marte. MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds then specifically picked the Mariners as a potential fit for the star.
While Polanco has played well for Seattle and would undoubtedly be cheaper than the current Diamondbacks player, Marte would be a significant upgrade for the Mariners. The AL West team recently collected the division crown and only just barely missed out on a World Series appearance. Seattle execs should feel like the time is now to make a major move or two.
According to Bleacher Report, the Mariners could acquire Marte by giving up starting pitcher Logan Evans and middle infield prospects Michael Arroyo and Felnin Celesten. Arroyo (sixth) and Celesten (ninth) are both among Seattle’s top 10 prospects.
Despite potentially trading away two top prospects, the Mariners would have Marte as their starting second baseman for the near future. Having Marte and shortstop J.P. Crawford penciled in up the middle may block prospects from reaching their full potential at the positions. Seattle has two other high-end infield prospects in Colt Emerson and Tai Peete as well.
Marte has Proved to be Worth the Massive Salary Hit
One potential hitch in Seattle’s trade for Marte is that the star is still owed over $90 million through 2030. Arizona just rewarded the infielder with a massive six-year, $116.5 million contract extension in April. As a result, Marte is now one of the highest-paid second basemen in the league.
According to Spotrac.com, the Mariners had the 12th-highest payroll in baseball during the 2025 season. It remains to be seen just how much the club is willing to spend in the offseason.
While Marte is making a big chunk of change, the star has proved that he is worth the salary hit. Marte recently racked up a WAR of 4.4 and ranked inside the top 10 league leaders in OBP (.376) and OPS (.893). Seattle potentially striking a deal for the star would be a massive statement for the club.
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