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Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks has been linked to the Mets, Rays and Red Sox this offseason.
The biggest storyline for the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason is the fate of Ketel Marte. The D-backs have indicated they’re willing to listen to offers on the three-time All-Star second baseman. However, at the time of this writing, multiple reports across the industry suggest they are not close to a deal.
Marte will enter the 2026 season with nine years and 162 days of service time. That adds some urgency to listen to offers before Marte gains 10-and-5 rights in April. Once he gains those rights, the D-backs can no longer trade their All-Star second baseman without his consent.
Despite no shortage of interest, those rumors could come to an end soon. Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported December 18 that discussions will not drag on much further. Once trade talks end, they’ll pivot to their other offseason needs.
Gambadoro wrote that “if the Dbacks get an acceptable trade offer worthy of moving a superstar player, which as of now they have not, then we will likely see a trade. And if they don’t, I would except them to shut it down and move on to other areas of concern and Marte will remain a Diamondback.”
What We Know About the Ketel Marte Trade Rumors
Arizona set a high price for teams looking to acquire Marte, per MLB Network insider Jon Morosi. The price is MLB-ready starting pitchers to headline a superstar-level return.
Morosi’s report came right before the team signed both Michael Soroka and Merrill Kelly in free agency. While Arizona’s rotation has a cohesive starting five going into Spring Training, that wouldn’t change their ask for Marte.
The DBacks are willing to engage with teams on Ketel Marte, but the price tag is high — with an emphasis on starting pitchers who are at (or near) the major-league level.
@MLBNetwork
The Boston Red Sox were named as the top trade suitor to land Marte by Morosi. They had two MLB-ready pitching prospects that appealed to the D-backs in Connelly Early and Payton Tolle. However, they have dropped out of the running after landing Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Tampa Bay Rays were another team linked to Marte this winter. The Arizona Republic‘s Nick Piecoro reported the two teams discussed Shane Baz and Ryan Pepiot at the Winter Meetings. The Rays traded Baz to the Orioles for a large prospect package and might not be as willing to pay the D-backs’ price.
Following their trade of Jeff McNeil, the New York Mets have checked in on Marte. New York has the young pitching that the D-backs would ask for between Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat. But would general manager Mike Hazen be willing to trade his star infielder to a potential Wild Card competitor? Barring a significant overpay, that seems unlikely.
Other teams that inquired about Marte include the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies. There were no reports about what was discussed regarding those two teams.
What’s Left to Do in the Offseason?
The biggest needs in the offseason would be to address the bullpen and the outfield. The D-backs have been linked to two free-agent relievers, Pete Fairbanks and Pierce Johnson. Gambadoro reported the team’s interest in the former Braves reliever earlier in the month.
Fairbanks remains the top free-agent closer on the market. Fairbanks is coming off his healthiest season, pitching to a 2.83 ERA and 27 saves in 61 appearances. However, the 31-year-old had his $11 million club option declined by the Rays.
Another avenue the D-backs could explore to upgrade their bullpen is through the trade market. Outfielders Alek Thomas and Jake McCarthy are their best trade chips to get that help. Both players are coming off disappointing 2025 seasons, but represent plausible center field options.
The D-backs have yet to be linked to any free-agent hitter this winter. One hitter thrown about as a potential fit is former Diamondback Paul Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt isn’t the same player he was in Arizona from 2011-18, but could contribute as a lefty masher in a part-time role.
Michael McDermott Michael McDermott is a writer at Heavy Sports covering the Arizona Diamondbacks and Major League Baseball. Michael has 10 years experience writing about the D-backs and their farm system for AZ Snake Pit, Burn City Sports, and Diamondbacks On SI. More about Michael McDermott
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