Yankees could trade for switch-hitting utility player from Diamondbacks

Ketel Marte, yankees
Apr 6, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Ketel Marte (4) reacts after striking out in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees are dealing with multiple injuries in the outfield, ranging from Giancarlo Stanton to Aaron Hicks. Stanton will likely be out for a week at least, while Hicks could be done for the season after tearing the sheath in his left wrist.

In their absence, the Yankees have been utilizing a variety of different options, ranging from Miguel Andujar to Ryan LaMarre. However, the Yankees could look to add more talent and supplement the injuries in the outfield, which is where one adequate utility player comes into play.

Joel Sherman of the NY Post believes that Ketel Marte could fit the bill perfectly for the Yankees:

The best option. Marte is what the Yankees need: a 27-year-old athletic switch hitter who can play center, short and second. He is owed $30 million from 2022-24 counting his options. He only counts $4.8 million versus the luxury tax, so if Arizona, say, took back someone like Justin Wilson as part of the package, the Yankees still might sneak under this year’s threshold.

Marte is a solid professional, and at 27 years old, he’s hitting .462 over just 28 plate appearances this year. The sample size is too small to make any assumptions, but two years ago, he had 32 homers and 92 RBIs, proving that he has some power to his game. His low strike-out rate is a major benefit, and the ability to play multiple positions in both the outfield and infield make his value that much more attractive.

The cost factor also plays a big part, as he would only count $4.8 million versus the luxury tax but has two years remaining on his deal, which will pay him $6 million this year and $8 million next season.

After the 2022 season, Marte has two years of club options, and his price takes a significant jump to $10 and $12 million during those seasons. Ultimately, he is returning from an injury, having experienced a simulated game against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. The coaching staff stated that he looked great and should return to the team very soon, so the injury doesn’t have any long-term implications. If general manager Brian Cashman sees him as a solid fit, he should consider trading for a player who earned an All-Star appearance in 2019.