© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
ORLANDO — As the MLB Winter Meetings open on Sunday, Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte remains firmly on the trade radar.
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May 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
ESPN’s Jeff Passan ranked Marte No. 2 on his list of the top 25 trade candidates and projected the likelihood of each being moved. Passan estimates there is a 40% chance the Diamondbacks trade the All-Star.
The ranking comes amid a swirl of rumors and predictions about Marte’s future in Arizona. Most notably, general manager Mike Hazen has publicly said the team’s priority lies elsewhere and not in trading its veteran second baseman.
However, dealing Marte for what the Diamondbacks desperately need, starting pitching, may ultimately outweigh those assurances.
Jul 2, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second base Ketel Marte (4) salutes the crowd after being named a starter for the 2025 MLB All Star Game in the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Marte’s contract could free up significant financial flexibility for a team looking to reduce payroll. He is owed $91 million, plus a player option, and he is approaching 10-and-5 rights, which would grant him full no-trade protection.
In 2025, Marte was batting .283 with 28 home runs and 72 RBIs.
That combination makes now a tempting moment for Arizona to consider moving him for a substantial return. Yet a trade would no doubt cause a ripple among the fan base.
Jun 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; An Arizona Diamondback fan holds a sign for Ketel Marte during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
As a cornerstone of the franchise in recent years, sending the All-Star who has called the Valley home to a new team would not sit well with D-Backs fans. But in the end, business is business, and the organization will do whatever it believes is necessary to shape its vision for the future.
The Ketel is hot. pic.twitter.com/0SoyTV5bSR
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 27, 2025
The Diamondbacks have become a team to watch, whether they stay committed to a core that includes Marte or make the bold decision to capitalize on his value while it’s at its peak.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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