Orioles-Diamondbacks trade proposal would replace Jackson Holliday with Ketel Marte
Baltimore explores a trade option
Baltimore is expected to be cautious in free agency, with several prominent pitchers likely beyond its budget. A trade could offer another route to improving the roster, and MLB insider Mike Rodriguez reported the Orioles’ interest in Marte.
MLB.com’s Jake Rill said a deal is not imminent. The Orioles’ lineup struggled across the board in 2026, with Pete Alonso standing out as an exception, and second base produced a .628 OPS, fourth-worst in the majors.
A proposed return for Arizona
The proposal sends Mayo and De Leon to the Diamondbacks for Marte. Arizona would receive a young infielder and a left-handed pitcher as it weighs a reset. Mayo, 24, hit 24 home runs and recorded a .759 OPS and 112 OPS+ last season. He has played both corner infield positions and could take over at first base, where Arizona had a major weakness in its lineup.
De Leon, 23, made his major-league debut late in the season and posted a 1.93 ERA and 0.75 WHIP over 9.1 relief innings. The sample is small; MLB Pipeline ranks him as Baltimore’s No. 8 prospect, and he is under club control through 2032.
Marte brings production and risk
Marte hit 22 home runs and drove in 76 runs last season, despite a .748 OPS that was his lowest since 2022. His contract has four years remaining, plus an $11.5 million player option for 2031, and its annual cost peaks at $22 million.
At 33, Marte could remain under contract through his age-37 season. The article cites multiple unexcused absences in recent years that created friction with Arizona’s front office, making his age and clubhouse fit concerns for a potential buyer.
Why Baltimore might consider it
The case for Marte rests on his two-way ability at second base and the possibility that his 2026 results understated his hitting. His bat speed ranked in the 83rd percentile, while his expected average was .280 and expected slugging percentage was .461, figures that point toward potential improvement in 2027.
Jackson Holliday was expected to become a franchise cornerstone, but the article says three years of below-par production have pushed Baltimore to consider alternatives. Marte offers a more proven option, though the proposed exchange would require the Orioles to part with two young players.
Key points
- The proposal sends Ketel Marte to Baltimore for Coby Mayo and Luis De Leon.
- Marte hit 22 home runs and had 76 RBI in 2026.
- Baltimore’s second basemen posted a .628 OPS, fourth-worst in MLB.
- MLB.com’s Jake Rill reported that no deal is imminent.