If the New York Yankees want to upgrade second base with Ketel Marte, new reports suggest they could get the three-time All-Star at a very affordable price this offseason.

The Yankees have three obvious areas to improve this offseason. They could use upgrades at second and third base, and they may need to find a new closer, with David Bednar available in free agency. Yet, the options at second and third, specifically, in free agency aren’t great. That is why a trade may be the best route to land a truly impactful talent.

Ketel Marte trade as likely as ever this offseason

Last year, rumors linked the Yankees to a potential trade for the Arizona Diamondbacks star. Obviously, the National League West team held on to Marte. However, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, “rival teams believe there’s a better chance” of a trade this offseason.

The MLB insider added that there is a new “urgency” to get a deal done this winter and that “This time, the price tag is lower.” Why is the price lower than it was a year ago? Well, the 33-year-old has become a problem child for the D-Backs.

In August, Marte was a no-show for a three-game set against the Boston Red Sox and was allegedly hiding in his hotel room. Once he was found, he was put on the restricted list before eventually returning to the roster. That, along with a down season, has made the relationship between the star second baseman and the Diamondbacks toxic.

Adding to the idea that Arizona could move, arguably, their best player over the last six years for a bargain rate is a report from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Will Sammon, and Katie Woo. The MLB insiders reported on Wednesday, “Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick has said he plans to reduce the team’s payroll.”

Why the New York Yankees should target a Ketel Marte trade

The trio of reporters notes that Kendrick could absolutely reverse course during the offseason. Especially since the insiders claim the club is taking a hard look at signing Japanese import Teruaki Sato. But moving the six seasons and $89 million left on Marte’s contract — he has an $11.5 million player option in 2031 — would give them a lot more flexibility to add to the roster this offseason.

There is certainly risk in a trade for the Yankees. Marte can be difficult and did not look good last season. However, his down season and issues away from the field may be linked to a general unhappiness in Arizona. A move to a place like New York could easily get him back to his All-Star form.

Furthermore, a trade could be worth the risk if the Yankees can get him at a lower price than they would have a year ago. If he is also willing to play third base, he might address a larger need since Anthony Volpe or Luis Garcia Jr. could play second as well.