As the 2026 MLB offseason moves along, one subject that remains at the center of conversation—particularly after the Winter Meetings—is the possibility of the Arizona Diamondbacks dealing Ketel Marte.
There’s a growing sense that Arizona is actively exploring a Marte trade, recognizing that moving him could bring back valuable pieces to help them stay competitive while also shedding his contract.
Among potential suitors, the Chicago Cubs stand out as an ideal trade partner for the Diamondbacks.
Arizona Diamondbacks Trade Second Baseman to the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are coming off a 2025 season in which they finished with a 92-70 record, making major strides as a team, but to continue this upward trajectory, they must look to make modifications to the team a bit. One way in which they could do so is by trading Nico Hoerner, as he would get the Cubs an immense return, and Chicago would get value back for him instead of risking him walking in free agency.
The issues with this is that the Cubs would have to find someone just as productive to replace him as he slashed .297/.345/.394 with seven home runs and 61 RBIs this past season, while also winning his second Gold Glove Award. For the Cubs to feel better about trading Hoerner, they need an answer on the roster first, and they can get that by trading for Ketel Marte.
Ketel Marte is coming off a 2025 season in which he had a .283.376/.517 slash lien with 28 home runs, and 72 RBIs. There is no denying that Marte would end up bringing the new boost offensively that the Cubs need. Marte is also good defensively, not as elite as Hoerner, but is still among the best at his position.
By trading for Ketel Marte, the Cubs would be getting a player that can provide a boost on the offensive side, which is exactly what they need this offseason, while also providing them security as he is under team control through 2030 with a player option for 2031. Marte is still just 32 years old and has plenty of years left, while also bringing experience to the Cubs’ lineup with him having played in MLB for 11 seasons. Marte is the ideal trade candidate for the Cubs to propel their team forward in 2026.
