Diamondbacks Need to Move On From Ketel Marte

Diamondbacks Shopped Ketel Marte Last Winter

Last winter, the Diamondbacks shopped Marte but could not find a trade package that they felt was adequate to acquire his services.

Instead, the Diamondbacks held onto him and let his 10-and-5 rights kick in, meaning Marte has a no-trade clause now and can block a deal to any team.

That being said, based on what’s happened with him this year, it shouldn’t be an issue getting Marte to waive his NTC if the Diamondbacks can trade him to a team that he deems a contender.

As far as his contract goes, Marte is still owed $94 million beyond this season over the next five seasons, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, who has been covering Marte’s no-show saga.

While that’s a hefty sum of money, Marte is one of the very best players in the league at his position, so it’s not an outrageous contract.

Plus, the Diamondbacks can — and probably will — eat some of the money to facilitate a trade this offseason and get back a better return.

Potential Destinations for Ketel Marte

Despite the baggage that he brings, Marte should still have some trade value because he is one of the best second basemen in baseball, and 2B is one of the weakest positions in the league, particularly from an offensive perspective.

Any team that needs a second baseman needs to call the Diamondbacks up about Marte and inquire about the price.

Based on all of his antics this year, Marte could be a good buy-low candidate for teams that need an upgrade at 2B.

For instance, Marte would be a terrific fit for the Toronto Blue Jays, who could start him at second base and have him hit in the top third of their batting order.

The Blue Jays could trade All-Star Ernie Clement, whom they would be selling at the peak of his trade value, and a pitching prospect to Arizona for Marte and some cash to cover the remainder of his contract, and the Diamondbacks might bite on it.

For Toronto, it would represent a massive upgrade offensively at 2B and would give him a fresh start in a new clubhouse, and in a new country at that.

The Blue Jays have a veteran-laden team that would not put up with Marte’s antics, particularly since the team is led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Marte’s teammate on Team Dominican Republic.

Another team that could use Marte is the New York Yankees if their current 2B, Jazz Chisholm Jr., leaves in free agency this offseason.

Truthfully, despite his baggage, the Diamondbacks should have no issue trading him away, as he is still a fantastic player, which is the reason Arizona has given him so many chances despite his bad behavior.

But it’s time that Marte goes. It’s the best thing for everyone, and it needs to happen this winter.

No more excuses, Arizona. It’s time to cut ties with Marte and move on, as a change of scenery is the best option for both the player and the team in this situation.