Blue Jays named as a "best fit" in Ketel Marte Trade, but would have plenty of competition

MLB Trade Rumors recently looked at some of the best fits for a Ketel Marte trade and they have put the Toronto Blue Jays at the top of the list. The Blue Jays were the lowest-scoring team in baseball in 2026, and their middle infield, mostly Andrés Giménez and Ernie Clement, was a big part of that. Only the Rays, Braves and Cardinals got a lower OPS from their middle infielders.

The 33-year-old Marte hit .249/.316/.432 with 22 home runs and 76 RBI in 2026, which was considered a down year for a three-time All-Star. He is signed for five more years at $87.5 million, but his 2027 salary is just $12 million, with $3 million of that deferred. That is a bargain deal for anytime if he bounces back. Even if he only repeats last season's production, that's still a price tag that is easy to justify.

Toronto isn't the only team that fits though. MLB Trade Rumors also named the Orioles and Red Sox as top fits, and listed the Yankees and Rays as other possibilities. That is all four of the Blue Jays' division rivals, which makes a Marte trade something that could greatly change the course of the AL East division.

Baltimore was picked because their young core has stalled after excellent regular seasons in 2023 and 2024, with a last-place finish in 2025 and a fourth-place finish in 2026. The club is reportedly open to trade conversations on much of the roster.

That could include Jackson Holliday who has more than 1,200 career plate appearances and a .229/.300/.354 line. He is only entering his age-23 season and he has been slowed by wrist injuries. But at some point, Baltimore needs better production at second base, and they could look to add Marte and flip Holliday for pitching.

The Red Sox scored just 71 runs in September, 18 fewer than any other team, and only managed two runs in the Wild Card Series against the Yankees. Manager Chad Tracy has suggested Curtis Mead is likely to be the primary second baseman in 2027, so second base isn't a glaring need. But second base is a spot where the Red Sox could most easily add a bat

The Rays are one of the other possibilities. While Marte is set to make upwards of $20 million in each of the following three seasons, a steep price for the small market Rays, they have no guaranteed commitments beyond next year. The Rays are currently set to run a Richie Palacios and Ben Williamson platoon at second, but a veteran like Marte would add instant credibility to that spot.

The Yankees are almost certain to let Jazz Chisholm Jr. walk, which opens a hole at second base. Anthony Volpe and José Caballero could split second, but neither has proven to be even an average big league hitter, and Marte is a better offensive player even in a down year. Having Marte in pinstripes could end up being a problem for the Blue Jays and everyone else in the division.

A Ketel Marte trade won't be easy to structure for the Blue Jays

There are two complications in any deal involving Marte though. First, Marte has full no-trade protection through 10-and-5 rights, so he controls his destination Second, Arizona has acknowledged it will listen to offers after frustration over Marte missing games.

And the price to acquire him would be enormous. Speculative deals suggests that the Blue Jays would need to include Addison Barger and a top pitching prospect such as Nolan Perry as a starting point.

But Marte's track record holds up and inserting a player of his calibre isn't something that teams will just think lightly about. There is also the fact that he is Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s cousin-in-law, something that could help in some form during negotiations. For now, though, this is a bold idea that may never gain any real traction, but if it does, the Blue Jays should be willing to at least come to the table.

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