Ketel Marte. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Diamondbacks surge as Ketel Marte makes NL MVP push

By Bennett Silvyn | Last updated Aug 6, 2024 2:07 PM ET

The Arizona Diamondbacks are making waves in the National League, propelled by a recent surge that has positioned them as strong playoff contenders. In the past 30 games, the Diamondbacks have a 21-9 record and are 12-4 since the All-Star break. This impressive stretch has brought them to a 61-52 record, tied with the San Diego Padres for second in the NL West, just five games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers.

Key to Arizona's success has been its offensive power. In July, the Diamondbacks hit 41 home runs — 11 more than their previous high this season. They also drove in 159 runs, 29 more than their previous season high, according to Statmuse. The momentum has continued into August with the Diamondbacks hitting 10 home runs and driving in 23 runs in the first four games of the month, resulting in a 3-1 record.

Ketel Marte jumps on the first pitch and the @Dbacks are on top early. pic.twitter.com/JrsyYcIc6o
— MLB (@MLB) August 5, 2024

One player standing out during this stretch is second baseman Ketel Marte. Since the All-Star break, Marte has been on a tear, batting .344 with a .803 slugging percentage, good for second in the National League. Marte has hit nine home runs, tied for the most in Major League Baseball, and driven in 21 runs, leading the league in that category.

Marte's stellar performance has not gone unnoticed. He has the second-best odds to win the NL MVP at +650, per FanDuel, trailing only Shohei Ohtani, who remains the heavy favorite at -13000.

Since the All-Star Break:

Ketel Marte— Shohei Ohtani—
.344/.391/.803 .241/.371/.534
9 HR 4 HR
21 RBI 10 RBI
14 SO 21 SO pic.twitter.com/1PdGkRrtKt
— StatMuse MLB (@statmusemlb) August 6, 2024

The Diamondbacks' resurgence has energized their fan base and put the team in a strong position as they push for a return to the Fall Classic. With Marte leading the charge, Arizona looks to continue its winning ways and close the gap on the Dodgers in the NL West.

The Diamondbacks will need to maintain their offensive output and rely on key players like Marte to keep their playoff hopes alive. If they can do that, Arizona could be one of the most dangerous teams in the league come October.

Bennett Silvyn

Bennett Silvyn expects to graduate in May 2024 from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism and minors in business, marketing and sports management. Silvyn has interned in marketing and social media for the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission, as a reporter for Arizona Foothills Magazine, in sponsorships for the Arizona Rattlers and in social and digital media for FC Tucson. Silvyn has also reported for the Walter Cronkite Sports Network and The State Press

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