Ketel Marte Stays in Arizona: Diamondbacks Remove Second Baseman from Trade Market
Dominican star second baseman Ketel Marte will continue his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to information confirmed to Alofoke Deportes. The team has decided to remove his name from trade talks, thus ensuring the player’s continuity in the upcoming season.
This decision, which had been rumored, comes after the statements of the general manager, Mike Hazen, who indicated that the uncertainty about Marte’s future would not be prolonged. Although no official announcement has been made, the determination is already final within the club.
Marte, 32, has established himself as one of the most outstanding players in Major League Baseball in recent years. His career includes three All-Star selections, two starts at second base for the National League, two Silver Slugger Awards, and an offensive line of .289/.363/.510, in addition to a bWAR of 27.8 in the last six seasons.
Regarding individual recognitions, Marte has demonstrated his consistent impact, finishing fourth in the National League MVP voting in 2019, third in 2024, and 22nd in the last campaign.
A contract that favors permanence
A key factor in the decision to keep Marte is his contract. The Dominican player has signed three extensions with Arizona, the most recent in April, which ties him to the club until 2030, with a player option for 2031.
Your salary is structured as follows:
- 2026: US$15 million
- 2027: US$12 million
- 2028: US$20 million
- 2029: US$22 million
- 2030: US$22 million
- Option 2031: US$11.5 million
The agreement also includes a deferred US$46 million, in addition to MVP voting-based incentives and plate visits. Starting in April, Marte will acquire 10-and-5 rights, which will allow him to veto any change without his consent.
Impact on the winter market
The permanence of Marte has an immediate impact on the winter market. The Diamondbacks, who were exploring the possibility of signing an elite third baseman like Alex Bregman if they managed to trade Marte, are now withdrawing from that bid.
Arizona had considered offers for the Dominican with the intention of reducing a payroll that reached US$195 million and reinforcing its pitching staff, affected by injuries. Although the team signed Michael Soroka and secured the return of Merrill Kelly, it still needs to strengthen its pitching, although with less financial flexibility than at the beginning of the winter.
Teams like the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Mariners, Tigers, Pirates, Rays, and Phillies were linked to Marte during the Winter Meetings. With Arizona out of the market, several of those organizations have had to adjust their plans.
Boston, for example, is now focusing its efforts on Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, while Toronto has focused its attention on outfielder Kyle Tucker. Seattle, after securing Josh Naylor and acquiring Dominican reliever José A. Ferrer, could remain quiet heading into Opening Day.
