Should the Arizona Diamondbacks trade Ketel Marte this offseason?
The more appropriate question might be: Could they?
Speculation surrounding Arizona trading the star second baseman continues ahead of the 2026 MLB World Series, but trading the three-time All-Star is easier said than done.
Marte hit .249 with Arizona last season, with 22 home runs and 76 RBIs, his worst season since 2022.
His season was also marred by off-field controversy that appears to have strained his relationship with teammates, the organization and fans.
Why Diamondbacks might not be able to trade Ketel Marte in MLB offseason
MLB Trade Rumors recently took a look at Marte's trade candidacy this offseason and it brought up Marte's on-field and off-field struggles as potential
hindrances to Arizona moving the second baseman.
It also brought up another reason it might be difficult to move Marte: He has a no-trade clause.
Mark Polishuk wrote: "Only Ketel Marte knows if he’s a truly a trade candidate or not, as the ball is in the second baseman’s court when it comes to approving a deal. Marte gained 10-and-5 status back in April, so after accumulating 10 years of MLB service time and spending the last five years with one team, the Diamondbacks second baseman now has full no-trade protection. Marte’s veto power over any potential trade adds yet another wrinkle to what has become an increasingly strained relationship between the D’Backs and the three-time All-Star."
But that's not the only other potential impediment to Arizona finding a trade suitor for Marte this offseason. MLB Trade Rumors cited Marte's salary as another big hurdle for the Diamondbacks to get a deal done.
Marte is owed $87.5 million over the final five years of his contract extension that he signed in April 2025. That might have seemed like a steal at the time of the deal, but his on-field performance really dipped last season.
Polishuk wrote: "Considering all of this baggage attached to Marte’s services, any team looking to swing a trade isn’t likely to be too keen on paying full freight on Hazen’s asking price. A suitor willing to give up prospects or MLB-ready talent for Marte will probably want the Diamondbacks to eat a healthy portion of Marte’s salary for such a trade package….or, teams willing to cover most or all of Marte’s salary might only be willing to do so if the D’Backs take back a low-level prospect or two in return."
Why Diamondbacks might be able to trade Ketel Marte in MLB offseason
While the odds may not be in favor of Arizona dealing Marte this offseason, MLB trade rumors didn't rule a Marte trade out for the Diamondbacks.
Polishuk wrote: "With all these factors in mind, it’s probably likelier than not that Marte will be the Snakes’ starting second baseman come Opening Day. Again, Marte himself holds the key to his future depending on his willingness to approve a trade, and Marte hasn’t given any public indication that he wants out of Arizona. However, one never knows how things may shake out when a player with an All-Star ceiling is on the trade market, as it takes only one rival team to step up with an offer that appeals to both Marte and the Diamondbacks alike."
Interestingly, Sportnaut recently listed the San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers among potential Ketel Marte suitors this offseason.
Fansided included the Kansas City Royals and Philadelphia Phillies among potential trade destinations for Marte, meaning there could be interest in Marte on the MLB trade market in the offseason, despite the factors that might make getting a deal done difficult for the Diamondbacks.
That brings us back to the earlier question.
Could the Diamondbacks trade Ketel Marte this offseason?
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Ketel Marte trade rumors include Diamondbacks' challenges in any deal
