The MLB hot stove is finally heating up. Over the past week, several notable trades have gone down — first Taylor Ward to the Orioles, then Marcus Semien to the Mets, and most recently the Red Sox acquiring All-Star pitcher Sonny Gray from the Cardinals. With the market moving, the question now is: when will the Philadelphia Phillies jump in?
Philadelphia is expected to be aggressive this offseason, and the trade market may be where they make their biggest moves, aside from trying to re-sign Kyle Schwarber. Reports have surfaced that the Arizona Diamondbacks are “actively listening” on star second baseman, and the Phillies have already checked in on the three-time All-Star.
A Potential Phillies-Diamondbacks Blockbuster
Landing Marte won’t come cheap. One trade idea floating around has the Phillies sending Alec Bohm, left-handed reliever Matt Strahm, and top prospect Justin Crawford to Arizona. Marte is under a sizable six-year, $105 million contract through 2030, meaning Philadelphia would likely have to absorb most of it — part of why the return is so steep.
Despite the cost, Marte is widely regarded as one of the league’s premier second basemen. In 2025, he hit 28 home runs with 72 RBI and posted a 145 OPS+ over 126 games — and that followed a monster 2024 season in which he blasted 36 homers and finished top-three in NL MVP voting. Although some concerns emerged late last season about his standing in the clubhouse, his production remains elite. Since 2023, he has accumulated 16.1 bWAR, and Baseball Reference projects him for 26 home runs and a .276 average in 2026.
What the Phillies Would Be Giving Up
The trade would be significant for Philadelphia. Alec Bohm, despite regressing in 2025 after an All-Star 2024, is still seen as a valuable piece and could be moved before he reaches free agency in 2027. Though his power has yet to fully develop, he’s consistently been around a .280 hitter.
Strahm and Crawford are what make the proposal appealing for Arizona. Strahm would bolster the Diamondbacks’ bullpen, while Crawford, who is close to MLB-ready, could grow into a role that helps replace Marte’s impact.
If Arizona truly opens the door to trading Ketel Marte, expect the Phillies to be heavily involved as Dave Dombrowski looks to make a major splash this offseason.