The Future of Ketel Marte: Will He Stay with the Diamondbacks?
With the 2026 MLB season on the horizon, the Arizona Diamondbacks find themselves at a crossroads regarding the future of All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte. General Manager Mike Hazen has expressed a desire to resolve Marte’s status soon, indicating that a decision will be made in the near future.
Impending No-Trade Rights
As Marte approaches the tenth day of the upcoming season, he will earn full no-trade protection under the 10-and-5 rule, which grants him the right to veto any potential trades. This milestone is significant for the 32-year-old, who has spent five consecutive seasons with the Diamondbacks and accumulated ten years of service time overall. Until that point, Marte holds a limited no-trade list that includes five teams: the Athletics, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and St. Louis Cardinals.
A Decision in the Works
While Hazen has not disclosed a specific timeline for this decision, he emphasized the urgency of resolving Marte’s situation. He noted that the team needs to focus on its offseason strategy and that lingering uncertainties around Marte’s status are less than ideal. Despite speculation about a possible trade, Hazen’s instincts lean towards retaining the talented infielder, suggesting that the organization values his contributions highly.
Contractual Considerations
Marte’s contract adds another layer of complexity to the situation. He is signed through 2030, with a player option for 2031, and is owed $102.5 million over the next six seasons. The structure of his deal, which includes $41 million in deferred payments, makes him an attractive target for competing teams. With an average annual value (AAV) of $14.6 million, Marte’s affordability in the current market is noteworthy, especially given his recent performances.
Potential Trade Scenarios
Should the Diamondbacks decide to pursue a trade, the focus would likely be on acquiring pitching talent. However, preliminary discussions with multiple clubs have reportedly not met the Diamondbacks’ expectations in terms of return. As Hazen suggested, the team is still seeking a package that aligns with their valuation of Marte, indicating that negotiations are ongoing but have yet to yield satisfactory offers.
An Impressive Track Record
Marte’s recent performance speaks volumes about his value to the Diamondbacks. He has been a consistent force at the plate, earning back-to-back All-Star selections and Silver Slugger awards. His impressive statistics include finishing third and second, respectively, in the National League MVP voting over the past two seasons. In 2025, Marte led all second basemen with a remarkable weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 145, and he was only shy of Nico Hoerner in wins above replacement (fWAR) with a solid 4.6 in just 126 games.
A Bright Future Ahead
Since his first All-Star appearance in 2019, Marte has established himself as one of the premier second basemen in the league, posting a .289/.363/.510 slash line and a 134 wRC+ that ranks among the top ten in the National League. As the Diamondbacks navigate this pivotal offseason, the fate of Ketel Marte remains a topic of significant interest, not just for the franchise but also for fans and analysts alike. The coming weeks will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the Diamondbacks’ roster and their ambitions for the upcoming season.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research