For much of the offseason, Arizona has listened to trade proposals on Marte, one of the top all-around infielders in baseball. Given his value and long-term contract, the Diamondbacks viewed Marte as a potential avenue to address roster needs, particularly pitching, while maintaining competitiveness.
However, Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported that the team has yet to receive a good enough offer to justify moving Marte.
“You don’t want to go sign a closer and all of a sudden you get a closer back,” Gambadoro said on the Burns & Gambo show. “Or go sign another starting pitcher and then get another starting pitcher back. … To this point, they have not gotten a package that is deemed good enough to make a Ketel Marte trade.”
Jun 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) looks on following the win against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Gambadoro also indicated that Arizona’s interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman is directly tied to Marte’s status. While The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal previously reported there was a possibility the Diamondbacks could sign Bregman without trading Marte, Gambadoro countered it.
“Can’t happen,” Gambadoro said.
The reports suggest the Diamondbacks are attempting to remain competitive without significantly expanding payroll. Marte already carries one of the largest contracts on the roster and Bregman is seeking a substantial raise after opting out of the final year with the Boston Red Sox. Keeping both players appears unrealistic under the current situation.
Apr 24, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox third base Alex Bregman (2) hits a RBI single against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
If Marte were traded, Arizona would gain payroll flexibility and increase its chances of landing Bregman, though Gambadoro described that scenario as a “long shot.” If Marte remains in Phoenix, the Diamondbacks may have to exit the Bregman sweepstakes.
Arizona has been one of the more active teams this offseason, but as the market gets smaller, they’ll need to act fast. Will another team present a package strong enough to move one of the franchise’s cornerstones? Would the Diamondbacks make a deal to clear salary space for a two-time World Series champion?
The Diamondbacks have not gotten a package that is good enough to make a Ketel Marte trade, and a potential Alex Bregman signing is a longshot.@Gambo987 has more on @BurnsAndGambo. pic.twitter.com/GJnWyRGEFO
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) December 27, 2025
The Diamondbacks cannot afford to linger too long and risk losing leverage on Marte, but they must also remain realistic about the return they are willing to accept. At the same time, the front office must decide whether to make a serious push for Bregman or risk missing out on a championship-level presence in the infield.
Whatever direction Arizona chooses could shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.