Diamondbacks GM gives update on Ketel Marte trade speculation

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte has been one of the most prominent names on Major League Baseball's hot stove this offseason, but he has remained in place through the end of December. Whether he ultimately stays or goes, Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said on Tuesday that he expects some sort of a resolution on that front very shortly.

Mostly because he needs to get moving with the rest of the team's offseason. 

Diamondbacks GM expects resolution to Ketel Marte situation very shortly

Hazen told MLB.com's Steve Gilbert on Tuesday that he is very likely to put an end to all of the speculation very shortly, and that he has always believed that a trade was going to be a long-shot.

“I haven’t figured that out yet,” Hazen said of the exact timeline. “But this isn’t going to continue to linger. We need to focus our offseason. Again, my gut this whole time was that [a trade of Marte] wasn’t going to happen, and I think it seems likely that that’s the case and we want to focus on other things we need to do.”

The 32-year-old Marte has been one of the best hitters in baseball over the past few years and would be an incredible upgrade to any team that acquired him. He would also be a significant trade chip for the Diamondbacks and potentially help them upgrade their pitching staff.

He is owed $91 million over the next five years on his current contract, which is a pretty favorable deal for an infielder who hits the way he does. 

That also makes him extremely valuable to the Diamondbacks as both a player to build around and as a potential trade chip. But the fact Marte has not been moved yet, and Hazen's desire to get this settled, seems to indicate he is not getting the type of offers he wants.

Maybe going public here is an attempt to negotiate through the media and put the pressure on other general managers. Kind of a, "if you want him, it is time to get serious with your offers" sort of thing. It could also just be Hazen trying to put everything in place so he can focus making other moves this offseason. Either way, it seems that Marte might either be on the verge of finally being traded or taken off the trade block.