Deep Waiver Wire: Ketel Marte

Going into this season, it seemed as though they were going to be some marquee teams to watch as it seemed that they had all the pieces to be dominant.

Teams such as the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Washington Nationals all appeared to be the popular picks to make postseason runs throughout baseball, but no one could predict the one thing that they would wind up having in common as the season played out. They would all wind up failing to live up to their hype.

While each of these teams are surprising to see struggle, the one team that sticks out to me the most, is the Seattle Mariners. When they brought in Nelson Cruz into what I had already perceived as a decent lineup, then combine that with the combination of a King Felix led rotation, all signs seemed to point to a great season.

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But, as well know, baseball is not played on paper and no matter how good names look written down, it does not always guarantee success. So while they Mariners faithful have been disappointed with how everything has played out, there does seem to be at least one bright spot going forward.

This bright spot, seems to be coming in the form of their newly promoted rookie SS, Ketel Marte. Seattle fans will tell you that they really do not have the greatest track record with touted infield prospects, as it seems as though each one has failed to adapt to the big league level. (I am looking at you, Mr.Ackley)

Therefore, when a prospect comes up and has immediate success, many fans and fantasy owners are hesitant to believe in the hype. But, for me, Marte does not look like these other failed prospects as he shows a refreshing grittiness and enthusiasm for the game that the Mariners faithful are glad to see.

Marte is only 21, but has been in the Seattle system since he was 17. He has never appeared on any top prospect lists, until midseason this year, where he finally started to crack the top 100 lists. He looks highly athletic and has shown that he can be a capable defender at SS.

In the minors, he has shown decent skillset where he predicated his game on speed and contact. By no means is he a power threat, he only has 10 homers across his 4 year minor career, but he is not afraid to swipe a bag though, as he has 100 career steals.

Since his call up and insertion as the everyday SS, Marte has a .333/4 RBI/3 SB/.858 OPS stat line. He has not homered yet, but that is not a surprise, but the key stat to note is the .858 OPS. If Marte can maintain that level of getting on base, fantasy owners may possibly have a real gem on their hands for the rest of the season.

Since the Mariners really have nothing else to lose this season, they have even been slotting Marte atop the order in front of the likes as Kyle Seager, Nelson Cruz, and Robinson Cano, so the possibility for compiling counting stats is clearly there as well.

The Mariners have thrown out Jose Reyes comparisons on Marte, I find that to be a optimistic prediction for what his ceiling may be, but I see more of a younger Erick Aybar or even Jean Segura type of mold. Since MI is a problematic spot to fill in our lineups with decent production, I like guys such as Marte who can offer some upside even if it is limited.

Even though they have struggled, Marte has a prime spot atop the lineup and he is on a real hot stretch lately. He has posted a .426/3 RBI/2 SB line, so he is definitely seeing the ball well right now. I do wish he would run more, but I think the more and more he gets comfortable reading pitchers he has never seen before, he will start to become more aggressive as his speed is his calling card.

I would recommend owners to snag Marte, as he is a cheap and widely available MI option that at worst will provide you Runs and a decent AVG.

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