Ketel Marte — once rumored as a Phillies target — won't be traded after all

The Diamondbacks have decided not to trade All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Arizona general manager Mike Hazen recently told MLB.com's Steve Gilbert that the Snakes wanted a resolution with Marte soon, and evidently they've gotten one — he'll stay put. 

This is particularly relevant to the Phillies because at one point earlier this offseason, it seemed that Marte could be a trade target for a Phillies team that has a pretty dramatic dropoff in their lineup after the top trio of Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. 

Back on Nov. 25, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that the Diamondbacks were "actively listening" on Marte, adding that the Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays were "among the teams that have checked in." Additionally, neither the Phillies or Blue Jays was one of the five teams on Marte's limited no-trade clause, so they didn't need his approval to acquire him. 

As it's turned out, the Blue Jays and Phillies have become linked this offseason as both clubs try to get over the hump and win a World Series. 

Toronto could still make another big move — such as signing Kyle Tucker — but after adding Japanese corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto on a four-year/$60 million deal, they seem likely to be set in their infield. Okamaoto can play third base, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr at first base, Ernie Clement at second base and Andrés Giménez at shortstop. As things stand now, there's not an obvious spot defensively for Bo Bichette to play. 

Meanwhile, the Phillies have seemingly moved to the forefront of the Bichette sweepstakes. Thursday, Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Phillies were scheduled to meet virtually with Bichette, with Jon Heyman of The New York Post later reporting that the two sides will meet on Monday. Bob Nightengale of USA Today added that "Bichette expressed a desire in playing for them, particularly after the hiring last week of Don Mattingly as their bench coach." 

So it won't be Marte that helps the Phillies to bolster their lineup. Perhaps instead it will be the 27-year-old Bichette, who hit .311 with an .840 OPS last season for the Blue Jays. 

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