If there’s one thing the hot stove never runs out of, it’s intrigue—and Bob Nightengale just poured another log on the fire. The timing couldn’t be better, with a cold front moving through New York and snow flurries reminding everyone that baseball warmth can’t come soon enough. Nightengale’s report says the Diamondbacks are “motivated” to move Ketel Marte, and that alone should perk up ears around Queens. The Mets could use some heat at second base anyway.

Of course, Arizona isn’t in the business of discounts. Nightengale made it clear they’ll want plenty in return, and that’s where the Mets come in. If David Stearns truly wants to bring Marte to Citi Field, it’ll take a serious offer built around talent, exactly the kind of package the Mets have been hesitant to part with.

A trade for Ketel Marte would likely start with two of the Mets top seven prospects

Brandon Sproat

The first name that stands out is Brandon Sproat. Arizona’s GM Mike Hazen said pitching is a top offseason priority, and Sproat fits that need perfectly. The Mets’ fifth-ranked prospect flashed serious upside during his September call-up, firing a high-90s fastball and pairing it with a sweeper that held opponents to a .077 average. His 3.4 barrel percentage and 50 percent groundball rate hinted at the kind of efficiency front offices love to dream on—even if the 4.79 ERA says he’s still learning.

A.J. Ewing

Then comes AJ Ewing, a name that’s been climbing prospect boards faster than his stolen-base totals. The Mets’ No. 7 prospect hit .315 with an .830 OPS across three levels last season, racking up 39 extra-base hits, 87 runs scored, and 70 stolen bases. He’s the kind of all-around sparkplug that could electrify the desert if Arizona is looking for athleticism and speed in its lineup.

Ronny Mauricio

Rounding out the package is Ronny Mauricio, whose 2025 campaign deserves an asterisk more than criticism. After missing all of 2024 with a knee injury, he was rushed back to the majors following Mark Vientos’ early-June injury. His .226 average and six homers in 168 at-bats weren’t ideal, but the glove work impressed, and the raw tools remain. A reset in Arizona could help him rediscover the swing that once made him untouchable in trade talks.

For the Mets, Marte would be worth the haul. He’s under contract through 2030 with a player option for 2031 and averages $18.4 million per year, a reasonable price for one of the most consistent switch-hitting infielders in the game. Over the last three seasons, he’s averaged 29 home runs, 83 RBIs, and a .350 on-base percentage. Slotting him atop a lineup featuring Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto would finally stabilize second base and, just as importantly, stop the infield shuffle.

In the end, you have to give up something to get something—and Ketel Marte is the kind of “something” worth it. The Mets have spent too long protecting promise over production. At some point, potential has to pay off. If they’re serious about contending, this is the kind of move that proves it.