The Arizona Diamondbacks have decided not to trade All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte this offseason, ending discussions with multiple teams after no suitable offers emerged. General manager Mike Hazen emphasized Marte's value to the team, citing his superstar status and long-term contract. This move reshapes the market for free-agent infielders like Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette.
The Arizona Diamondbacks informed interested teams that they will no longer pursue trades for Ketel Marte, their 32-year-old second baseman, as reported by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. General manager Mike Hazen, who had been listening to offers to address pitching needs and reduce the team's record $195 million payroll from last season, stated that discussions never advanced significantly. "It never ended up getting that close," Hazen said. "He's a superstar player for us, and has been for a long time, and is going to continue to be."
Marte, who signed a seven-year, $116.5 million extension last April running through 2030 with a $11.5 million player option for 2031, posted a .283/.376/.517 slash line with 28 home runs and 72 RBIs in 126 games during the 2025 season. Over the past seven years, he has earned three All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger Awards, and finished as high as third in NL MVP voting. He will gain full no-trade rights in April 2026 as a 10-and-5 player, limiting future trade possibilities without his consent.
The decision stems from Arizona's need to bolster a pitching staff hit by injuries and departures, despite recent signings of Michael Soroka and Merrill Kelly. Hazen noted the human impact of trade rumors, adding that he spoke with Marte by phone and expects no hard feelings. With Marte staying, alongside Corbin Carroll, Gabriel Moreno, and Geraldo Perdomo, the Diamondbacks boast one of MLB's strongest top-four hitters.
This development impacts the free-agent market. Arizona's interest in third baseman Alex Bregman appears less likely now due to budget constraints, potentially boosting Bregman's chances of rejoining the Boston Red Sox. Teams like the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Mariners, Tigers, Pirates, Rays, and Phillies had pursued Marte, but many have shifted focus—Toronto to Kyle Tucker, Philadelphia to Bo Bichette. The Cardinals' Brendan Donovan may see increased trade interest as a result.
Hazen indicated the team will prioritize bullpen additions and remains open to starting pitching, though big free-agent deals seem improbable. Marte, acquired from Seattle in 2016, remains Arizona's longest-tenured player despite some 2025 clubhouse friction over absences related to a home burglary and perceived extra days off.
