PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks are nearing the end of speculation surrounding a potential Ketel Marte trade.
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Arizona Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen introduces new starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez during a news conference at Chase Field on Dec. 12, 2023. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Much of the MLB offseason has centered on whether the Diamondbacks would trade their franchise cornerstone or attempt to use his high market value to address needs in other areas. After weeks of discussion, it now appears Marte will remain in the desert for the foreseeable future.
“We’re very likely to put an end to this shortly … this isn’t going to continue to linger,” general manager Mike Hazen said, according to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert. “We need to focus our offseason. Again, my gut this whole time was that [a Marte trade] 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.”
May 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While trade talks have not officially concluded, Arizona still has multiple roster needs to address before next season. It appears the team did not receive the return it was seeking for Marte. By closing the door on dealing the All-Star, the Diamondbacks can now redirect resources toward other offseason moves.
Marte’s popularity in Arizona has not gone unnoticed. Since rumors of a potential trade began circulating, even before the 2025 trade deadline, fans have hoped a deal would not materialize and that one of the lineup’s core pieces would remain a Diamondback.
However, this does not mean Marte cannot be traded later on.
Sep 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (7) and infielder Ketel Marte celebrates after Carroll hit a home run in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
The club still can deal the second baseman, as his 10-and-5 rights will not take effect until mid-April. If a compelling enough package emerges, a trade could still happen.
For now, Marte will continue to wear Sedona Red as the Diamondbacks shift their priorities elsewhere with the offseason nearing its close.
GM Mike Hazen on Ketel Marte trade discussions, via @SteveGilbertMLB:
“We’re very likely to put an end to this shortly … this isn’t going to continue to linger. We need to focus our offseason. Again, my gut this whole time was that [a Marte trade] wasn’t going to happen, and I…
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) December 30, 2025
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
