MLB’s hot stove season is heating up by the day. After three massive trades took place earlier this week and late last week, the clock is ticking on the Detroit Tigers, who will have to keep pace with other active teams in the American League.
So, should the Detroit Tigers trade, or at least make a strong offer, for Ketel Marte? Detroit is in the middle of a competitive championship window, and with a young core of great players and the best pitcher in baseball, Tarik Skubal, the time might be now to pull the trigger on a massive offseason trade.
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The Tigers Should Trade for Ketel Marte Under a Few Conditions
The Detroit Tigers should trade for Ketel Marte under a few conditions.
After the reports from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi indicate that the Arizona Diamondbacks are “actively listening” to offers for Ketel Marte, Detroit should be in the race with the Phillies and Blue Jays to acquire him.
If the Tigers do not have to give up one of their young, promising players like Jackson Jobe, Reese Olson, or top prospect Max Clark, trading for Marte seems reasonable.
There have been several player-swap trades across MLB over the past month, so a trade package that includes Zach McKinstry and prospect Ty Madden, and Justyn-Henry Malloy might be a good enough trade package to get a deal done.
Second base has been a tough position for the Tigers to find production at the plate, but Ketel Marte would fix that immediately. He’s a three-time All-Star who is a career .281 hitter as a switch-hitter. His value can not be understated, as he’s also a plus defender. Marte finished in the top 3 of NL MVP voting in 2024.
Other reasons the Tigers should consider trading for Ketel Marte are that he’d solidify the middle of their order and provide protection for Riley Greene.
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Would Ketel Marte Fit in With Detroit?
There have been recent reports that Ketel Marte has caused teammates to be frustrated because of his lack of work ethic and being a bad clubhouse presence.
However, manager AJ Hinch has a good rep for being a players’ manager, and considering his extensive experience in MLB, Marte would be held in check. Also, the Tigers are going to be in the midst of a Pennant Chase, which should help in keeping Marte motivated.
Marte is also on a fairly team-friendly deal at six years, $105 million, which runs through the 2030 season.
BaseballReference.com projects that Ketel Marte will hit .276 with 26 home runs and an OPS of .861 in 2026.
As his name continues to show up in trade rumors, watch out for the Detroit Tigers to emerge as a team that could end up making the massive splash for the 32-year-old infielder.
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