CBS’ Axisa: D-backs’ Marte and Kelly seen as offseason trade candidates

The Arizona Diamondbacks have plenty of value within their roster if they want to make moves this offseason.

CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa has two D-backs in his top-20 list of potential offseason trade candidates.

Arizona center fielder Ketel Marte came in at the top of his list while catcher Carson Kelly was ranked 15th. Left fielder David Peralta was also listed among Axisa’s honorable mentions.

Marte easily led the team with a .318 batting average and a .377 OBP in 2021.

He also had 50 RBIs and 14 home runs.

The 27-year-old also has a favorable contract if other teams want to go after him.

He is under contract for 2022 for $8 million with club options for 2023 and 2024 worth $10 million and $12 million, respectively.

Axisa thinks that contract can be attractive for teams, especially for a player in his prime years.

He said that any team in the league can use his services.

Astros, Blue Jays, Dodgers, Giants, Mariners, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, Rays, and Yankees, just for starters. Given his contract and versatility, it’s easy to see Marte as a fit for just about any team, contender or rebuilder. That said, how a team views his ability to play center field may impact trade offers. Some clubs have a greater need there than at second.

Kelly played 98 games in 2021 after missing nearly 40% of the season due to a fractured toe in May and fractured wrist in June. He had a .240 batting average with 13 home runs and 46 RBIs, and was only second on the D-backs to Marte with a .343 OBP.

Kelly has a few years of arbitration before he can become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

Axisa believes backup catcher Daulton Varsho’s development along with Kelly’s attractive abilities make him a solid option to trade.

Kelly has been quite productive (moreso at the plate than behind it, though his glove is solid) in non-pandemic shortened seasons and he comes with three years of affordable team control. Daulton Varsho had a breakout second half and is ready to step in as the everyday catcher, giving Arizona a chance to turn Kelly into prospects in an offseason short on quality catchers.

Peralta was a finalist for the National League Gold Glove Award in left field after only committing three errors on 282 chances (98.9%). He lost out to St. Louis Cardinals’ left fielder Tyler O’Neill.

At the plate, he led the Diamondbacks with eight triples and 63 RBIs. Peralta also had a .259 batting average with eight home runs.

The 34-year-old left fielder will earn $8 million as he goes into the final year of his contract next season.