Blue Jays reportedly exploring trade for Ketel Marte and more at Winter Meetings

ORLANDO, Fla. — With much of the attention focused on the Blue Jays big splashes in the free-agent market — both the ones already made and potential of more to come – could general manager Ross Atkins wade heavily into the trade market this winter?

It’s certainly a hot topic of conversation here at the sprawling Bonnet Creek Resort Convention Center, site of this year’s Winter Meetings.

The Jays have been mentioned prominently as a potential suitor for Arizona Diamondbacks star second baseman Ketel Marte.

The idea of making a bid for Marte definitely is an interesting prospect for the Jays, especially if they are willing to move on from free-agent second baseman Bo Bichette.

While nothing appears imminent, it’s further sign that GM Ross Atkins is willing to explore every market to improve the Jays heading into 2026 with a roster that could have some significant turnover.

Multiple reports have the Jays in the mix for Marte, a 32-year-old who was an all-star in the National League each of the past two seasons. After signing a seven-year, $116.5-million US extension this past April, Marte certainly is cost efficient, given he is owed $16 million US in 2026.

And the idea of having Marte’s elite bat at the top of the Jays order — no matter the configuration — also is enticing.

Who else is in the Marte market?

Several teams beyond the Jays have been linked to a potential deal with Marte, most notably the Boston Red Sox, but also the Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays.

The sense is that the D’Backs would want pitching help — both active and prospects — in return for the 2023 NLCS MVP.

Whether Jose Berrios, a Jays starter rumoured to be a potential trade candidate, would be involved remains to be seen but he is a name that would gain some traction. Any deal involving Berrios likely would involve the Jays paying a portion of his remaining contract.

Interestingly, the Jays have been linked to Marte in the past, adding credence to the latest reports.

Meanwhile, given that the Jays widely are considered to be in the market for both Bichette and free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker — the most sought-after free agent this winter — Marte could loom as a solid Plan B if either, or both, of those pursuits fall short.

That tactic would be typical of the way Atkins operates, exploring every available market so that he’s able to move aggressively if and when the time comes.

More Blue Jays buzz

The sense around the Meetings — on Day 1, anyway — is that there are no big deals imminent, which is in keeping with activity at the industry gathering in recent years.

That doesn’t mean the Jays aren’t active, however. You can’t walk 100 feet in the lobbies here without talk shifting to the Jays.

Atkins has been as busy as any executive so far this winter, landing starting pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce.

But the sense from the baseball community is that Atkins — and by extension the Jays — are just getting started.

The GM is scheduled to meet with Toronto media later Monday afternoon to discuss the off-season to date.

On Tuesday, manager John Schneider will have his annual Winter Meetings availability, but the showstopper is expected to be the Jays intrroductory press conference for Dylan Cease.

The right hander, who signed a seven-year, $210-million deal with the Jays last month, will be joined on the podium in front of an audience of national media by his agent, Scott Boras, and Atkins.