A new trade pitch would send Addison Barger to Arizona for Ketel Marte. The Blue Jays would take on Marte's contract in a one-for-one swap.

Avery Chenier of The Gate 14 Podcast floated the idea. “They are looking to shed (money) and Ketel's problems are clearly problems for the D-Backs,” he said.

He has caused headaches in Arizona, skipping games and spending time away from the team. A change of scenery might benefit both sides.

The contract is significant. He's entering the third year of a six-year, $116.5 million deal, with an $11.5 million player option for a seventh season.

The production is still there. Marte hit .249 with 22 homers and 76 RBIs in 2026.

He's a three-time All-Star and a former NL MVP. There's also a family connection, as he's married to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s cousin.

Addison Barger is too big a price for a Ketel Marte gamble

What would Arizona get? Left-handed power.

Barger, who turns 27 soon, hit 21 homers with 74 RBIs in 2025 before injuries wiped out most of 2026.

“I would send Addison Barger that way; they are looking for left-handed juice,” Chenier said.

The answer is no. Barger is the most important bat coming back for Toronto, and trading him after a lost season would be selling at the absolute bottom.

Marte's talent is undeniable, but so are the off-field questions. Torey Lovullo's club is trying to move on for a reason.

It's like trading a starter home you're renovating for a mansion with a leaky roof. The square footage is impressive, but the headaches come with it.

If Toronto wants Marte, it should explore a package built around prospects and payroll relief instead. The family tie to Guerrero might help, but it can't be the whole plan.

Ross Atkins hasn't made a major offseason move yet. A Marte deal would be a splash, just not one worth Barger.