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The Los Angeles Dodgers are locked in a tight battle for the National League West division alongside the San Diego Padres.
After dropping their latest series with the Padres, the Dodgers are in danger of losing the division and slipping into a wild card spot. And even if they recapture the NL West lead, the fact that they are this close to losing it just weeks from the playoffs could push the front office to embark on a third straight blockbuster offseason of star additions.
But after adding the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, Teoscar Hernandez and Tanner Scott to the roster in recent years, the Dodgers only have a few places left to look to upgrade with another superstar. And one of those positions could be filled by another division rival who seems to be losing patience with their second baseman.
“According to reports from Bob Nightengale, the (Arizona) Diamondbacks will listen to trade offers for All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte this winter,” Sam Phalen relayed for Dodgers Way. “Should a trade for Marte materialize, the Dodgers could swoop in and present an offer their rival can’t refuse.”
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It remains to be seen just how seriously the Diamondbacks are considering a move for Marte, who is in just the first season of a six-year, $116 million contract extension. But as a three-time All-Star who is slashing .290/.388/.534 with 23 homers so far this season, he’s sure to garner interest if he’s really on the block. And the Dodgers would make sense as a potential new home.
“As for the roster fit, it’s almost perfect,” Phalen added. “Miguel Rojas and Kike Hernandez are both unrestricted free agents this winter. Max Muncy is about to turn 35 and has a club option for one more season. Meanwhile, Tommy Edman, Hyeseon Kim and Mookie Betts all have enough versatility to move around the diamond.”
Phalan noted that the Dodgers have a top-ranked farm system and can offer a highly coveted prospect like Alex Freeland in a package for Marte. And while the Diamondbacks might hate the idea of adding more talent to the Dodgers’ roster, if things are truly untenable with their second baseman, they might find their best trade offer for him from within the division.
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