Yankees: 4 strategic trades NYY should pursue this offseason

Dec 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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PEORIA, ARIZONA – MARCH 15: Ketel Marte #4 of the Arizona Diamondbacks looks on before the game against the Seattle Mariners during the MLB spring training baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex on March 15, 2021 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

2. D-Backs OF Ketel Marte

Ketel Marte has been with the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2017. In 2019, he raked a .329/.389/.592 slash line with a .981 OPS. He hit 32 home runs, drove in 92 RBI, made the All-Star team, and was fourth in MVP voting in the NL that year. Despite battling health issues in 2021, the switch-hitting Marte has 12 home runs, 45 RBI, and a .917 OPS in 76 games and 285 at-bats.

Marte plays well on defense, too. Although he is primarily a centerfielder, he also can play second base and shortstop. He would be a superb replacement for Aaron Hicks. Marte is under team control for another three years and won’t break Hal Steinbrenner’s bank.

The Diamondbacks have had a disastrous year and, like the Cubs, are seeking to rebuild their team. If they hope to get players of value in trades, this would be the year to shop Marte. He will turn 28 in October, and he has several years of solid play ahead of him. Arizona, of course, will expect quality players in return.