PHOENIX – The question for the Diamondbacks isn’t whether Alex Bregman fits or has a chance to sign with Arizona; the real question is whether the D-backs can afford two pillars with Alex Bregman, without cracking the foundation of trading Ketel Marte.
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Sep 7, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Bregman against the Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Marte has been the key and face of the franchise for this D-backs club since the departure of Paul Goldschmidt. The pairing with Arizona’s young star Corbin Carroll has taken the MLB by storm and even helped the D-backs get a 2023 World Series appearance. Teams don’t win windows by overpaying stars; they win by leading with one efficient cornerstone with another high-impact addition.
Diamondbacks Marte (4) reacts after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Chase Field in Phoenix on May 27, 2023. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Could Ketel Marte and Alex Bregman both play for the Diamondbacks in 2026?
If Ketel Marte doesn’t end up getting traded and stays in the desert, does that mean Alex Bregman to the Diamondbacks is done? Diamondbacks Owner Ken Kendrick has shown recently, in the last 5 years, that he is financially going to support what it takes to get this team back to the World Series. Is there any real chance that both Marte and Bregman could be on the Diamondbacks roster in 2026? The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal believes so:
From @Ken_Rosenthal:
“A scenario exists in which the Arizona Diamondbacks would both sign free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman and keep second baseman Ketel Marte. … Arizona owner Ken Kendrick routinely extends his payroll when he believes his team has a chance to win.” pic.twitter.com/8laheESnyR
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) December 18, 2025
Even as his raw numbers fluctuate year to year, Bregman’s profile remains remarkably stable with elite on-base skills, postseason credibility, and defensive value that doesn’t slump. Data consistently shows players with Bregman’s plate discipline age more gracefully than pure power bats. For a Diamondbacks team built on speed, contact, and pressure, Bregman would fit in nicely.
Sep 18, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Arizona second baseman Marte (4) steals third base against Houston Astros third baseman Bregman (2) in the tenth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Bregman drawing unexpected interest from Arizona Diamondbacks
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
