Ketel Marte Will Remain a Diamondback: Final Decision in Arizona
The talented Dominican second baseman, Ketel Marte, will continue his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks next season. Sources close to the team confirmed that the management has decided to remove his name from trade negotiations.
The information, which has been made public, comes after general manager Mike Hazen indicated that the organization would not allow the uncertainty about Marte to drag on for long. Although there has been no official announcement, the decision is considered final within the club.
Marte, 32 years old, has established himself as one of the most outstanding players in Major League Baseball in recent years. His performance has led him to be selected for three All-Star Games in the last six seasons. In addition, he has been a starter in the National League at second base in the two most recent Mid-Season Classics. He has won two Silver Bats and has recorded an offensive line of .289/.363/.510, with a bWAR of 27.8 in that period.
Regarding individual awards, Marte has proven his worth by finishing fourth in the National League MVP voting in 2019, third in 2024, and 22nd in the past season, which confirms his consistent impact on the field.
A Contract That Ensures Continuity
One of the aspects that made Marte attractive in the market was his contract. The Dominican has signed three extensions with Arizona, the most recent last 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 the so-called 10-and-5 rights (10 or more years in MLB and at least five with the same team), which will allow him to veto any trade 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 out of that bidding.
Arizona had considered offers for the Dominican with the intention of reducing a payroll that reached US$195 million and reinforcing a pitching staff affected by injuries. Although the team signed Michael Soroka and recovered 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 taking him off 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 calm heading into Opening Day.
