This polarizing trade would show Orioles fans this new front office is serious about winning

The Baltimore Orioles have two choices this offseason: supplement the current roster with role players and hope that their young players take steps forward, or make a major splash in the offseason to prove to players, the fanbase, and the rest of the league that they are ready to compete. The second option really is the way they should be going.

The Orioles have spent too long playing the waiting game to see if their prospects can develop enough into stars. It worked for two years, netting them a 100-win season and back-to-back playoff appearances, but it didn't amount to the ultimate goal. They made the first major move last offseason, acquiring Pete Alonso, and now it's time to double down and make a second splash.

Ketel Marte is once again going to be bandied around in trade rumors this offseason, and the time is now for the Orioles to strike. The 33-year-old second baseman is coming off a down season by his standards, but still produced 56 extra-base hits and 76 RBIs in 141 games. Despite the down numbers, the expected numbers weren't nearly as bad, with him ranking in the 90th percentile in expected batting average and the 82nd percentile in expected slugging percentage.

Marte has been worth 18.5 bWAR over the last four seasons, which include two seasons with MVP votes and a top-three MVP finish in 2024. He has the added bonus of being a switch-hitter and is an above-average defender with four Outs Above Average and five Fielding Run Value last season.

Trading for Ketel Marte won't be cheap, but the Orioles might have the right asset to get the deal done

Because he is still so valuable, even heading into his age-33 season, a trade for him would still cost a decent amount, and this is where the Orioles can prove they mean business. The Orioles do not have an open spot for him in the infield, so they would need to make one. Sending back Jackson Holliday as the main piece in the deal would send a message. The No. 1 pick in the 2022 draft has developed the way the Orioles and their fans would have hoped by now, but is still very young and would have the value to headline a deal like this.

The Diamondbacks were looking for infielders when shopping Marte last season, so it would make sense. When the second baseman was connected to the Red Sox, the rumors and reports suggested Arizona was asking for Marcelo Mayer in the deal to replace Marte in their infield. If their priorities haven't changed, Holliday would certainly fit the bill.

Of course, Marte also comes with a lot of off-field drama that will lower his price as well. Four years in a row, he has left the team during the season, without a reason why. Reports have also suggested his antics have frustrated teammates in the clubhouse. Having a leader like Pete Alonso around could help to keep him in line. Holliday's value also isn't what it once was, and that could help to even the deal.

Marte is going into the third year of a six-year extension he signed with Arizona, which also has a player option for a seventh year. Including the $11.5 million player option Marte has for the 2031 season, there is $89.25 million remaining on the final five years of the contract, not a budget-breaking amount.

If the Orioles were to pursue this, the biggest obstacle would be Marte's full no-trade clause. In April of last season, Marte crossed the threshold for 10-and-5 rights. Those guarantee a player who has 10 years of service time and has been on the same team for five seasons full no-trade protection. Marte would have to agree to join Baltimore for the deal to go through.

Making it happen would send a message that the Orioles are ready to compete now. He fits the same timeline that Alonso has, would put another impactful bat in the lineup next to Gunnar Henderson, and give the Orioles another proven star. Sending out Holliday to make the deal happen, too, would only prove the Orioles' intentions even more.

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