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Every kid on Christmas morning wakes up with one thing in mind. Presents. More specifically, most kids are dreaming of one present in particular. A new bike, a new phone, maybe a new lego set. For me, it was usually something to do with music. A drumset, or a new guitar. Those are the presents that aren't being given out by siblings, cousins, or even parents. Those are the presents reserved for Santa Claus.
The Seattle Mariners might be hoping for some Christmas magic this winter as well. With Jorge Polanco now a New York Met, they have been looking to add a new second baseman to the lineup. Cole Young probably can't be trusted, considering the team benched him at the first sign of struggle last September for career Triple-A player Leo Rivas.
Who could be the Mariners' savior at second base? It might just be the player who was once the team's top infield prospect. Ketel Marte.
Ketel Marte is the 1 gift Mariners would ask for from Santa Claus
If the Mariners had to ask Santa Claus for just one gift this Christmas, it should be Ketel Marte. Of course, this gift would not come for free. It would be an expensive move to make, likely costing multiple top prospects, as well as Young and possibly one of the Mariners' young starting pitchers.
Let's face it, though. The deal is worth it. The Mariners' lineup is extremely top-heavy. Outside of Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor, Julio RodrÃguez, and Randy Arozarena, there is not much to get excited about when it comes to the Seattle offense. All four of those guys had career-years in 2025; is it really smart to expect them to repeat that type of performance in 2026?
The Mariners need to add another impact bat to their lineup if they want to truly contend in 2026. Ketel Marte is exactly that. He is coming off three-straight 4-WAR seasons, and last year finished with a 145 OPS+ (after putting up a 154 OPS+ in 2024). He is a three-time All-Star and has finished inside the top-four in NL MVP voting twice.
Marte fills the Mariners' biggest hole and lengthens the lineup significantly. If the Mariners could ask Santa for one big present, Marte is the gift to ask for.