Ketel Marte Trade Analysis: Why Arizona Pulled the Plug
After weeks of speculation, the Arizona Diamondbacks have officially shut down trade talks involving three-time All-Star Ketel Marte. Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, GM Mike Hazen informed interested teams that Arizona will no longer consider trading their franchise second baseman. Here's a complete breakdown of what happened and what it means going forward.
Why Arizona Wanted to Keep Him
Marte is a superstar talent on a bargain contract. The three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger has posted a massive .283/.368/.519 slash line (140 wRC+) over the past three seasons. He's a switch-hitter who provides elite production at a premier defensive position.
Most importantly, his contract is far below market value. Marte is owed just $102.5 million over the next six seasons, a figure more typical of a freshly extended arbitration player than an established superstar.
Marte Contract Details
What Arizona Demanded
The Diamondbacks asked for a massive return in any potential Marte trade. Specifically, they targeted multiple major league-ready starting pitchers who could serve as long-term rotation anchors. According to reports, Arizona talked with the Rays about a package including both Ryan Pepiot and Shane Baz before Baz was traded to Baltimore.
No team was willing to meet that asking price, and Hazen ultimately decided it wasn't worth trading Marte for a lesser return.
Teams That Showed Interest
The Red Sox were considered the most likely landing spot, as many believed Boston could offer the most enticing package. However, after missing on Marte, the Red Sox pivoted to signing Ranger Suarez.
Timeline of Events
Early January: Trade Talks Heat Up
Multiple teams engage Arizona on Marte. D-backs set high asking price of multiple MLB-ready starters.
January 9: Phillies, Blue Jays Check In
Neither team willing to meet Arizona's asking price. Talks stall.
January 13: Bregman Signs with Cubs
Red Sox lose out on Bregman, potentially freeing up resources for Marte push.
January 14: Red Sox Sign Suarez
Boston pivots to pitching instead of pursuing Marte trade.
January 16: Arizona Ends Trade Talks
Hazen informs all teams that Marte is no longer available. Deal is officially dead.
The No-Trade Clause Factor
Marte will pick up full no-trade protection as a 10-and-5 player on the 10th day of the 2026 season. For all intents and purposes, this offseason was the last chance for the Diamondbacks to trade Marte before he could veto any deal.
By keeping him, Arizona is betting that Marte remains central to their competitive window. GM Mike Hazen has stated that Marte is "not a movable asset, but a stabilizing force on a roster still very much in win-now mode."
What This Means for 2026
The Diamondbacks are committed to competing. With Marte anchoring the middle infield alongside the recently acquired Nolan Arenado, Arizona projects for around 85 wins in 2026. That's a fringe playoff team in the competitive NL West, but the D-backs clearly believe they can outperform projections with their core intact.