Toronto Blue Jays: 5 replacements for Marcus Semien

Sep 29, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Marcus Semien (10) wears the team home run jacket in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against New York Yankees in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 2, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) turns the double play while avoiding Colorado Rockies left fielder Raimel Tapia (15) during the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Option 1: The Toronto Blue Jays make a deal for Ketel Marte

Ketel Marte has had two great seasons over the past three years. In 2019, he finished in the top four in NL MVP voting with his all-around play. This past season, he put up 2.9 fWAR in just 90 games. He did struggle defensively in 2021, but was playing center field most of the year.

He would end up playing second base on this Blue Jays team, a position he has been at least average at over his career. He is a heavy contact hitter, but has improved his power swing, hitting 32 home runs in 2019 and was on pace to have around 25 in 2021 with more than 40 doubles.

Marte is on a very team-friendly deal locked in for 2022 at only $8 million, with team options for 2023 and 2024 for only $10 million and $12 million. Marte is only 28 years old, matching the timeline of the young players on Toronto’s roster. His contract is inexpensive for the value he provides, giving the team more freedom financially.

This situation is tricky due to the complicated stage the Diamondbacks seem to be in. They were looking to contend for the playoffs in 2021, but only won 52 games, tying the Orioles for the worst record in baseball. With their downfall this past season, it is possible they will want to retool the team or jump into a full rebuild with Marte being their most valuable piece to move.

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