The Arizona Diamondbacks are listening to offers for their All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte, but this won’t be a quick deal. The 32-year-old switch-hitter comes with both tremendous upside and significant baggage that teams must carefully weigh before making a move.

1. Ketel Marte’s availability: Arizona wants what one rival executive called a superstar-type return for the veteran infielder. That’s a steep ask, especially considering the complications surrounding his situation. While his contract seems reasonable at $102.5 million over six seasons with $41 million deferred, teams are hesitant about more than just the money.

Last season brought clubhouse concerns after Marte missed three games following the All-Star break to spend time in the Dominican Republic after his Scottsdale, Arizona, home was burglarized. The timing raised eyebrows as the Diamondbacks fought to stay competitive. Though manager Torey Lovullo and teammate Geraldo Perdomo defended him publicly, some players reportedly took issue with his absence during a critical stretch.

The situation escalated when Marte initially didn’t address it, only apologizing in mid-August after the Arizona Republic published details about the internal friction. He explained the burglary left him frustrated and struggling emotionally, but damage to team chemistry had already occurred.

Beyond the clubhouse dynamics, Marte’s durability raises questions. He’s played more than 140 games just once in the past five seasons, leading to criticism about taking too many days off. Any team acquiring him needs confidence he’ll stay healthy and engaged for six years.

The Boston Red Sox have emerged as interested suitors, joining three other unidentified clubs. Arizona seeks young pitching as they rebuild their rotation while waiting for ace Corbin Burnes and relievers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez to return from Tommy John surgery. After agreeing to a one-year, $7.5 million deal with pitcher Mike Soroka on Monday, the Diamondbacks continue reshaping their roster.

Time pressure exists too. After 10 days into the 2026 season, Marte gains full no-trade protection as a 10-year veteran who’s spent five consecutive seasons with Arizona, making any deal significantly harder to complete.

Boston’s aggressive approach

2. The Red Sox’s pursuit of Alex Bregman: Third baseman Alex Bregman remains Boston’s top target, primarily because he’d provide a defensive upgrade over Rafael Devers at the hot corner.

3. Pete Alonso and Bo Bichette interest: The Red Sox are pricing every available option, including free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso and infielder Bo Bichette as they attempt to strengthen their lineup.

4. Isaac Paredes from Houston: Boston has expressed interest in Astros corner infielder Isaac Paredes, who’s under team control for two more seasons with a projected $9.3 million salary in 2026. He’d likely play first base if Bregman lands at third, though Houston wants controllable starting pitchers in return, specifically eyeing Boston’s young lefties Payton Tolle or Connelly Early.

Why Kansas City kept Jonathan India

5. Jonathan India’s surprising contract: The Royals raised eyebrows throughout baseball when they re-signed second baseman Jonathan India to a one-year, $8 million deal rather than non-tendering him. Many expected Kansas City to cut ties after India posted an OPS-plus 11 percent below league average last season.

The move reflects Kansas City’s continued need for hitters who get on base and their belief the 29-year-old can bounce back. After playing left field, third base and second base in 2025, India will focus exclusively on second base in 2026. The Royals hope his free-agent year provides extra motivation to return to form.

While $8 million seems high for his recent production, non-tendering India would have created a hole at second base without dramatically improving their outfield budget. Kansas City continues shopping for inexpensive outfielders, making a deal for Harrison Bader unlikely. Bader seeks at least three years at $10 million to $15 million annually, far beyond what the Royals want to spend as they target two outfielders at lesser salaries.

Other notable developments

The Pittsburgh Pirates offered Kyle Schwarber approximately $120 million over four years, more than triple their previous free-agent record, though the Philadelphia Phillies could extend five years to retain their designated hitter. The St. Louis Cardinals continue fielding inquiries about left-handed hitters Brendan Donovan, Nolan Gorman and Lars Nootbaar, while first baseman Willson Contreras generates interest as a less expensive alternative to Alonso at $36.5 million over two seasons.

These winter meetings in Orlando mirror the pattern from three years ago when Arizona eventually traded Daulton Varsho to Toronto on Dec. 23 after early December discussions. Major deals often take time to materialize as teams evaluate costs and organizational fits.

Source: The Athletic