The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly engaged in discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks regarding star second baseman Ketel Marte. Arizona’s general manager, Mike Hazen, has downplayed the likelihood of a trade occurring but remains open to options, especially given the team’s pressing need for starting pitching.
According to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic, initial talks with Tampa Bay have involved a possible trade framework that includes pitchers Ryan Pepiot and Shane Baz joining the Diamondbacks. However, Piecoro clarifies that there is currently no imminent deal and emphasizes that the Rays are not necessarily the frontrunners in the discussions. In fact, Hazen has indicated that other teams are also vying for Marte, with some negotiations centered on acquiring a more prominent starter.
The high asking price from the Diamondbacks is underscored by their desire for controllable pitching talent. Pepiot has emerged as a valuable asset since joining the Rays, showcasing substantial productivity with 297.2 innings pitched and a solid 3.75 earned run average. His ability to strike out over a quarter of opposing hitters, combined with arbitration control through 2028 and a projected salary of $3.7 million, makes him a desirable trade option.
Shane Baz, another name mentioned in the talks, brings an impressive but volatile skill set. After recovering from Tommy John surgery, Baz showed promise with a 3.06 ERA over 14 starts in 2024, although he struggled to maintain consistency this past season. At 26 years old, Baz has the potential for upside, featuring a high-velocity fastball at 97 MPH and strong secondary pitches. His projected salary is slightly lower at $3.1 million, which could attract interest from several teams weighing their pitching futures.
The urgency for the Diamondbacks to bolster their starting rotation is accentuated by their recent signing of Michael Soroka, who will join other pitchers like Ryne Nelson and Eduardo Rodriguez in a lineup that requires additional depth. With limited payroll flexibility, the D-Backs are exploring various options to improve their pitching staff while also addressing near-term needs in the bullpen and at other positions.
While Ketel Marte, who recently excelled with a .283 batting average with 28 home runs, is the top second baseman potentially available, the Rays have their own valuable player in Brandon Lowe. Coming off a strong season, Lowe is also garnering trade interest, adding another layer to the ongoing discussions between both franchises.
As the offseason progresses and free-agent hitters continue to evaluate their options, both the Rays and Diamondbacks have the opportunity to reshape their rosters significantly, whether through trades or acquisitions, emphasizing the dynamic nature of their respective strategies in the coming weeks.