What's Happening?
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte is a prominent trade candidate this offseason, but his potential destinations are limited by a no-trade list. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Marte's contract includes a five-team no-trade list, which comprises the Athletics, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and St. Louis Cardinals. Despite the Diamondbacks' recent efforts to bolster their pitching staff by re-signing Merrill Kelly and signing Michael Soroka, the team remains open to trading Marte. The 32-year-old, a three-time All-Star, is under contract for $102.5 million over the next six seasons, with significant deferred payments. Arizona is likely to seek young pitching talent in any trade deal for Marte,
who had a strong 2025 season with 28 home runs and 72 RBIs.
Why It's Important?
The potential trade of Ketel Marte is significant for several reasons. For the Diamondbacks, trading Marte could provide an opportunity to acquire young pitching talent, which is crucial for their long-term competitiveness. For other MLB teams, acquiring a player of Marte's caliber could significantly enhance their lineup, especially given his consistent performance. However, the no-trade list complicates potential deals, as it excludes several major teams, including the Yankees, from negotiations. This limitation could affect the market dynamics and the leverage Arizona has in trade discussions. Additionally, if the Diamondbacks delay a trade, Marte will gain full no-trade protection early in the 2026 season, further complicating potential transactions.
What's Next?
The Diamondbacks will need to navigate the complexities of Marte's contract and no-trade list as they explore potential trade options. Teams interested in Marte will have to present compelling offers that align with Arizona's desire for young pitching talent. The timing of any trade is also critical, as Marte's impending full no-trade protection could limit Arizona's options if a deal is not reached before the 2026 season. The situation will require strategic negotiations from both the Diamondbacks and interested teams to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
