PHOENIX — Concern is brewing among Arizona Diamondbacks fans over Ketel Marte and his slow start to the season — a player who has anchored the lineup for years.
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May 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) reacts after striking out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
It hasn’t been a secret that the All-Star second baseman has struggled at the plate so far this year, and fans on social media are calling for accountability. Even in the Diamondbacks’ series finale against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, Marte went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts — including an inning-ending strikeout with the bases loaded.
Needless to say, fans were not happy.
Ketel Marte got his no trade and completely checked out. embarrassing
— Bo (@BMaster30) May 3, 2026
Is this who Ketel Marte is now?
— Basketball doesn’t exist. It cant hurt me (@noah_huber9) May 3, 2026
Don’t care how much of a slugger Ketel Marte used to be, the guy chases so many pitches and wastes countless at-bats because of it. If he can’t learn to make more consistent contact or have patience at the plate, he needs to be sent down…
— BluexKnight (@blueXknightX) May 3, 2026
Through 32 games this year, the All-Star is batting just .214 with a .629 OPS — numbers that represent a sluggish start for a player who owns a career .279 batting average and has been one of the most consistent offensive forces in recent years.
The concern has only grown following the D-Backs’ latest stretch on the road. Over his last eight games, Marte has posted a .133 batting average with four hits — one of them a home run — and two RBIs. Even with a flash of power, the lack of consistent contact has stood out significantly.
May 2, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) reacts after striking out swinging against he Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
For a player of Marte’s stature, that slow start carries added weight, especially as Arizona has struggled in recent series. As other key contributors have also worked through slumps, his bat could have been a difference-maker in helping elevate the club when it needed it most.
There have been brief flashes of promise in the second baseman’s season, including a walk-off double in early April. The power is still there, but it has not emerged in the way the Diamondbacks need. Those moments have not translated into sustained success at the plate.
Apr 29, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) gets a base hit against the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
It is still early, and veterans sometimes take time to find their rhythm over the course of a season. Still, for a team that appeared to be on solid footing to start the year and now needs its stars to produce, Marte’s performance has become a focal point for many fans.
If Marte returns to form at the plate, the D-Backs could quickly regain their footing. Until then, his uncharacteristic production is likely to keep the fan base uneasy.
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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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