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Arizona’s Crossroads: The Future of Ketel Marte
Main Photo Credits: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Arizona’s Crossroads: The Future of Ketel Marte

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Matthew Nethercott  |  Last updated Dec 30, 2025 8:42 PM ET

The Ketel Marte sweepstakes has become the defining storyline of the 2025-26 MLB offseason. A saga that intensified during the Winter Meetings and is now reaching its tipping point. A unique now-or-never window for the Arizona Diamondbacks drives this high-stakes pursuit.

Arizona’s Crossroads: The Future of Ketel Marte

D-Backs Trade Asks

General Manager Mike Hazen is currently navigating a delicate balance, reportedly seeking a massive return centered on two MLB-ready pitchers – one starter and one high-leverage reliever. This will help Arizona to shore up a rotation recently depleted by injuries and a tightening budget. While heavyweights like the Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Mariners have headlined the rumors, a surprising secondary market has emerged, with the Reds and Rays also linked to the three-time All-Star, along with the Mets and Phillies.

As of December 30th, Hazen has signaled that the team will “likely put an end to this shortly” to focus on other offseason needs, meaning we are mere days away from knowing if Marte will remain the face of the franchise or move on in a blockbuster trade that would redefine the DBacks team and others alike.

The Diamondbacks have not received an offer to their standards yet, which is why they are looking to move on from the trade rumors.

Marte’s Clubhouse Issues

One thing that might be cautioning teams is Marte’s clubhouse issues, which came to light further during the 2025 season. Reports surfaced in late 2025 suggesting that teammates and staff were frustrated by Marte’s tendency to request “personal time off” at critical junctures, most notably during the 2024 playoff race and the 2025 All-Star break. 

The tension reportedly reached a boiling point when Marte missed the start of the second half of the 2025 season to take a vacation in the Dominican Republic. Marte cited a burglary at his Arizona home as the reason for his extended absence. The fact that he was away from the team without prior notice led to public apologies and “uncomfortable conversations” mediated by team president Derrick Hall.

While Marte remains a beloved figure among the fan base, this pattern of behind-the-scenes drama is a significant factor in the DBacks’ decision to listen to him. Losing that production would be a lot for the Diamondbacks’ lineup to overcome, which is another factor in the decision to trade Marte.

Marte’s 2025 Season

Despite the off-field noise, Marte’s on-field production in 2025 remained among the elite at his position. In 126 games, he slashed .283/.376/.517 with 28 home runs and 72 RBIs, earning an impressive 4.4 bWAR. His 142 OPS+ and 10.4% barrel rate indicate that his bat has not yet begun to decline. His defensive metrics at second base held steady with +8 Outs Above Average. Any team acquiring Marte would be getting a premier switch-hitter in his prime.

Marte’s on-field production would be a boost for any lineup in the game. The issue is that questions about his attitude off the field will deter teams. Either way, there should be a resolution on the matter in the coming days.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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