Updating Arizona's interest in Alex Bregman: New reports highlight payroll limits necessitating a Ketel Marte trade, his no-trade protections, Bregman's elite stats, and Phoenix-area appeal amid aggressive spending.
Following initial reports from Jon Heyman on potential $150-200M deals and Marte trade targets like Freddy Peralta or Mackenzie Gore, Bob Nightengale of USA Today confirms the Diamondbacks are actively exploring Bregman, the 31-year-old who opted out of $80 million over two years with the Red Sox.
Bregman posted elite metrics last season—90% in-zone contact, 90 mph exit velocity—while shining defensively, making him a fit post-Suárez trade. However, with 2026 payroll at $163.8 million against a $177 million target, Arizona must move Marte ($15M owed, $102.5M over six years total) first. Marte gains 10-and-5 no-trade rights soon; his list excludes Athletics, Yankees, Pirates, Giants, Cardinals. Trading him could free funds and net pitching prospects.
Arizona's big-spending ethos continues—after Corbin Burnes ($195M payroll peak), recent Soroka ($7.5M) and Kelly ($40M/2 yrs) deals bolster the rotation (Nelson, Pfaadt, Rodriguez; Burnes post-TJS). Owner Ken Kendrick vows to compete in the NL West, while GM Mike Hazen eyes trades/free agency for the bullpen (28th in WAR). Bregman's Phoenix residence boosts appeal. Despite Marte's projected edge in 2026 WAR, the 80-82 D-backs (hot finish: 29-23) eye wild-card contention; competitors include Cubs, Blue Jays, Mets.