Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte could have a new home next season.
The Baltimore Orioles have engaged the Diamondbacks about a trade involving the second baseman, a source told Jake Rill of MLB.com.
However, a deal wasn't imminent as of Saturday night, according to Rill.
D-Backs general manager Mike Hazen reportedly discussed Marte's availability with several clubs at the general managers' meetings. Arizona is believed to be open to a package involving MLB players or prospects with a focus on pitching.
Arizona has previously shopped the 2024 NL MVP finalist before he gained no-trade protection with 10-and-5 rights, meaning he will have to approve a move. The club's asking price has reportedly dropped because of the 33-year-old's continued off-field issues. He was placed on the restricted list in August after he no-showed for a game against the Boston Red Sox without providing an explanation for his absence.
The Orioles are also reportedly open to trade talks for every player except star first baseman Pete Alonso.
Marte's potential fit with Baltimore isn't obvious, as the team boasts several options to play second or third with Jordan Westburg, Blaze Alexander, Coby Mayo, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand.
President of baseball operations Mike Elias said at the GM meetings that some infielders on the club's current roster will get work in the outfield during the offseason because of the infield surplus.
The Blue Jays are another team that's been connected to Marte this offseason.
The three-time All-Star's owed $76 million over the next four seasons of his current terms.
