PHOENIX — While trade speculation has begun to slow regarding a potential Ketel Marte move from the Arizona Diamondbacks, the second baseman took to social media to post a cryptic Instagram story.
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Jul 1, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second base Ketel Marte (4) attempts to field a ball in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Marte, who has been with the Diamondbacks since 2017, has been the subject of trade rumors dating back well before the 2025 trade deadline. However, his post appeared to reference more than just his uncertain future.
Earlier this summer, AZCentral’s Nick Piecoro reported that the organization was unhappy with Marte’s demeanor and level of engagement following the All-Star break. The report raised internal concerns about leadership and accountability, while also dividing fans on whether Marte was right or wrong. At the time, his home had been broken into and he did not request time off to address the situation, a factor many supporters cited in his defense.
Aug 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) and second baseman Ketel Marte (4) and third baseman Blaze Alexander (9) and first baseman Tyler Locklear (28) during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The report also indicated that some teammates were frustrated with the All-Star, with sentiments dating back to the 2024 season.
“In recent years, some Diamondbacks players have taken to adding a phrase to comments they make when asked about Marte,” Piecoro writes. “He is a great player, they say, when he wants to be. They are giving credit while also airing a grievance.”
Marte’s Instagram story showed a photo of himself celebrating a play alongside teammate Corbin Carroll, with the caption reading, “Not good [teammate].”
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte’s Instagram story post with outfielder Corbin Carroll from Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Ketel Marte IG (ketel_marte4)
Whether the post was a direct response to Piecoro’s reporting or to online criticism labeling him a bad teammate remains unclear. However, for a player who is typically quiet and rarely engages with online discourse, the post suggests that Marte is paying attention.
Several teammates have spoken highly of him, including Geraldo Perdomo and manager Torey Lovullo, both of whom have insisted that Marte is a positive presence in the clubhouse and have worked to remove misconceptions.
Diamondbacks SS Geraldo Perdomo delivered an emotionally charged message intended for media members in defense of teammate Ketel Marte after today’s game, a 6-5 loss at Colorado. Warning: use of foul language. pic.twitter.com/aecIZXKPJf
— José M. Romero (@RomeroJoseM) August 17, 2025
Marte has long worn his heart on his sleeve. With weeks of uncertainty surrounding where he may play in 2026, the post is a reminder that he is not just a name in trade rumors or an object of character speculation, but a human too.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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