​Rays have reportedly shown interest in Arizona’s Ketel Marte, a move that would mark a significant upgrade for the Rays at second base and a bold step at this summer’s MLB trade deadline. The chatter comes as Tampa Bay has looked sharp this season and the AL remains wide open, making aggressive roster moves more plausible than usual.
One name that often surfaces alongside Marte in trade discussions is Tarik Skubal, a pitcher who would clearly draw attention around the league. Yet, it appears the Rays may also be weighing alternatives, with Marte at or near the top of their list as a potential second-base upgrade. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Rays are not only eyeing Skubal but are also exploring whether the Diamondbacks would consider moving Marte, and perhaps even Luis Arraez of the San Francisco Giants as a backup option.
Marte, a 32-year-old with multiple All-Star appearances and a track record as a strong hitter and solid defender, has been part of ongoing trade rumors for some time. The relationship between Marte and the Diamondbacks has reportedly been rocky at points, adding intrigue to any potential deal. For the Rays, though, Marte would be a substantial offensive upgrade at second base. Tampa Bay has ample room to improve its lineup, and shoring up the keystone position would address one of the roster’s most pressing needs.
This season Marte has posted a .259 batting average with a .780 OPS and an 112 OPS+, along with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs, 19 doubles, 29 walks, and 56 strikeouts, accumulating 1.9 bWAR. He’s a three-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger, and the 2023 NLCS MVP—credentials that underscore the potential impact he could deliver if acquired by the Rays. Importantly for the Rays, Marte remains under club control through the 2030 season, with a 2031 player option on a six-year, $105 million contract. If Tampa Bay could pull off a deal for Marte this summer, it would represent a one-move upgrade with the potential to transform the roster’s ceiling.
Skubal may be a bigger name in trade talk, but Marte could prove to be the missing piece that allows the Rays’ offense to contend with the top offenses in baseball. The possibility of pairing Marte with the Rays’ existing talented core could push Tampa Bay into a new tier of competitiveness, especially if the other pieces around him complement his production and offensive approach.
As the trade deadline approaches, teams and fans alike will be watching to see whether the Diamondbacks entertain offers for Marte and whether the Rays are bold enough to make a standout move. A Marte-to-Tampa Bay deal would not only address the second-base position but would also signal the Rays’ willingness to go all-in to maximize their chances of a deep postseason run.