The New York Mets have set the stage for a significant roster move. Following the trade of veteran infielder Jeff McNeil, the team's focus has sharply turned towards acquiring a star player to fill the void. According to MLB insider Francys Romero, the Mets' interest in Arizona Diamondbacks' standout Ketel Marte intensified immediately after finalizing the McNeil deal.
The McNeil Trade: Creating Space and Flexibility
On December 21, 2025, the New York Mets executed a strategic move by sending Jeff McNeil to the Oakland Athletics. The trade package included $5.75 million in cash, and in return, the Mets received minor-league pitcher Yordan Rodríguez. This transaction was financially motivated, clearing McNeil's $15.75 million salary for the 2026 season and eliminating a club option for the same amount in 2027.
While McNeil remained a consistent performer, the Mets' front office decided his role no longer aligned with the team's future direction. This trade provided the franchise with crucial financial breathing room and created a clear opening in their infield configuration.
What a Potential Mets-Diamondbacks Trade Could Involve
The Arizona Diamondbacks are not actively shopping their star, Ketel Marte. However, industry sources indicate they are willing to listen to offers that align with their long-term vision, which prioritises acquiring pitching talent.
A realistic trade proposal from the Mets to secure Marte would likely need to include a compelling package. This could feature:
- One top-tier pitching prospect, such as Brandon Sproat or Jonah Tong.
- Infielder Brett Baty, offering a controllable position player for the future.
- Reliever Huascar Brazobán to add immediate depth to the Diamondbacks' bullpen.
Acquiring Marte means taking on a substantial contract. The All-Star is secured through at least 2030, earning $16 million in 2026 with salaries escalating to $22 million in the later years of the deal, plus a player option for 2031.
Analysing the Impact for Both Sides
For the New York Mets, this move represents a win-now strategy. Ketel Marte would bring a powerful middle-of-the-order bat and valuable defensive versatility. He would slot in seamlessly alongside stars like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, capable of handling multiple infield positions as needed.
For the Arizona Diamondbacks, the appeal lies in timing and future planning. Marte is entering his age-32 season. Trading him now could yield a haul of young pitching talent that better matches their next competitive window, while simultaneously alleviating long-term payroll commitments.
By the Numbers: Marte vs. McNeil (2025 Season)
The statistical comparison from the 2025 season highlights why the Mets are pursuing an upgrade:
Ketel Marte played 126 games, posting a stellar .283/.376/.517 slash line with 28 home runs and 72 RBI. His weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) was an impressive 145, and he accumulated 4.6 fWAR.
Jeff McNeil appeared in 122 games, with a .243/.335/.411 line, 12 home runs, and 54 RBI. His wRC+ was 111, and he finished with 2.1 fWAR.
The data shows Marte provided superior power and on-base ability, creating a clear gap in overall offensive impact.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
For the New York Mets:
Positives: A definitive lineup upgrade, contract certainty avoiding free agency, and a seamless fit into the current roster without major positional logjams.
Risks: Potential age-related decline over the long contract, a high cost in prospect capital, and a significant long-term salary commitment.
For the Arizona Diamondbacks:
Positives: Bolstering young pitching depth, gaining valuable payroll flexibility, and initiating a roster reset focused on a younger core.
Risks: Losing a proven All-Star and clubhouse leader, experiencing a short-term drop in offensive production, and the intangible impact on team chemistry.
If completed, this trade would be a bold statement from the Mets, signalling an all-in approach for the present. Marte's bat and flexibility would be a major boost. For Arizona, it would be a forward-looking move, sacrificing current star power for future assets and financial freedom. While nothing is final, the Mets' intentions are clear: they are targeting a major infield transformation, with Ketel Marte at the heart of their plans.
