Phillies Should Avoid a Trade for This One Controversial Player
The Philadelphia Phillies should probably halt their pursuit of Ketel Marte.
Video Transcript
So last offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies were named as a potential trade suitor for Ketel Marte, the second baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
And really even early in the year, the Phillies were floated as a possibility or actually a potential landing spot for Marte.
Of course, the Diamondbacks have been in playoff contention, so they didn't move Marte at the deadline, and the Phillies went out and got Luis Arias.
But Marte's name is still going to be connected to the Phillies heading into the offseason because, you know, let's face it, his future in Arizona is in question.
But should the Phillies even bother pursuing a trade for him at this point, given recent developments?
Marte has always been viewed as a pretty poor clubhouse guy, but you put up with it because he's just really good.
I mean, he finished third in MVP voting in the National League in twenty twenty-four.
He has a great playoff track record.
He's versatile.
He's a terrific all-around player.
But his production has fallen off quite a bit this season in his age thirty-two season, and recently, he went on the restricted list for the Diamondbacks after not showing up for a series in Boston, then was placed on the IL due to knee inflammation, and then was seen at a casino with his friends while the Diamondbacks were beating the Reds nine-nothing on Friday.
I'm just not sure if this is a guy the Phillies want in their locker room, in their clubhouse.
And again, he's aging anyway.
Looks like he may be declining this year.
The Phillies may-- would just be better off re-signing Luis Arias in free agency than trading prospect capital for Ketel Marte.
Now, Marte is under contract through twenty thirty on a very team-friendly deal.
I get that.
But again, you look at his numbers this year, they're not quite what we're used to from Marte, and just all the extracurricular stuff with him just does not make it worth it for the Phillies to pursue him and bring him aboard next season.
