Mets Trade Target Marte Off the Table as Semien Sets Second Base in Stone
Updated: Jan. 09, 2026, 4:51 p.m. | Published: Jan. 09, 2026, 11:49 a.m.

Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ketel Marte. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)

For New York Mets fans, the offseason has already been a rollercoaster, and now one potential trade target has officially slipped off the table. Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ketel Marte, previously linked to New York following the club’s decision to trade second baseman Jeff McNeil to the Athletics, is reportedly staying put.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic confirmed the news, tweeting that Marte, a three-time All-Star, is not expected to be moved by Arizona. “Ketel Marte will remain with the Diamondbacks, source tells (The Athletic),” Rosenthal wrote. “He will not be traded.”

This development comes at a pivotal moment for the Mets, who are actively reshaping their roster after several high-profile departures. With McNeil gone, the Mets had briefly explored Marte as a possible addition to bolster the infield and provide a left-field option. However, the team had already made a significant move by acquiring two-time Gold Glove winner Marcus Semien from the Texas Rangers in December, in exchange for Brandon Nimmo.

Semien, a proven defender and on-base machine, is now firmly entrenched at second base. His presence effectively closes the door on Marte sliding into that role, regardless of Marte’s versatility and experience at other positions earlier in his career, including shortstop and center field. The front office’s focus this offseason, according to Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, remains on “run prevention,” signaling a strategy centered on pitching and defensive efficiency over marquee offensive acquisitions.

While Marte would have brought additional depth and power to the lineup, the Mets are shifting their priorities elsewhere. The team’s biggest hole now lies in the outfield, where rookie Carson Benge is projected to start in left field and veteran Tyrone Taylor in center. Fangraphs projects this duo as the most likely everyday starters, though flexibility exists depending on performance and late-season adjustments. Meanwhile, Mark Vientos remains the favorite to fill the designated hitter role, adding another dimension to a lineup in need of consistency.

Marte’s unavailability is disappointing for multiple reasons. First, he is signed to a team-friendly contract — seven years, $116.5 million — which would have given the Mets cost certainty for nearly a decade. Secondly, he is coming off one of his strongest seasons, slashing .283/.376/.517 with 28 home runs and 72 RBIs in 2025. A player of Marte’s caliber, at that price, would have been a rare opportunity to add a multi-positional All-Star without overpaying in free agency.

Even with Marte off the market, the Mets remain a team with intriguing potential heading into the 2026 season. The acquisition of Semien solidifies second base, while the organization’s investment in young pitching — including Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat — positions the rotation as a quietly formidable group. According to MLB player development analyst Lance Brozdowski, the Mets’ pitching system is the strongest in baseball, giving fans reason to remain optimistic despite a quieter-than-expected offseason.

The Mets are listed at +190 on Fanatics to win the NL East in 2026, reflecting both the optimism surrounding the team’s young core and the market’s recognition of the challenges they face in a competitive division. The Braves, Phillies, and Nationals continue to be formidable rivals, and New York’s ability to navigate injuries and maintain consistency will be critical.

While Marte may no longer be a feasible target, the Mets still have multiple avenues to improve. Free-agent outfielders, mid-level trades, or even internal promotions could address gaps left by McNeil’s departure. Young outfielders like Carson Benge offer upside, and veterans like Tyrone Taylor bring stability and experience. The combination of youth and selective veteran additions could allow the Mets to remain competitive while managing payroll effectively.

In the end, the Marte news is a setback, but not a catastrophic one. The Mets front office has demonstrated a strategic approach to roster building, focusing on cost-effective acquisitions, player development, and long-term flexibility. While Marte would have been a high-profile addition, the team’s focus on systemic improvements — particularly pitching and defense — may yield a more sustainable path to success.

As the 2026 season approaches, Mets fans will have to temper expectations regarding headline-grabbing trades. However, with Semien locked in, promising young pitchers ready to emerge, and a clear plan for outfield and designated hitter roles, the team may still be well-positioned to challenge for the NL East crown.

Even without Marte, New York remains a team to watch — a blend of youth, strategic veterans, and a front office committed to maximizing talent within its financial constraints. If the Mets can maintain health and development trends continue, this offseason’s quiet moves could set the stage for a quietly dominant campaign in 2026.