TEXAS – For years, Ketel Marte has been respected nationally, adored locally, but somehow still under-discussed when conversations turn to franchise legends, and that may finally be changing.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ketel Marte breaks another massive D-backs record:
Rewriting the record books. pic.twitter.com/mrxmKDtoBH
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 13, 2026
The most important part of Marte’s climb up the list of most games-played in franchise history is not the number itself. It’s what surviving long enough to threaten that record represents in modern Major League Baseball. Marte now stands at 1,093 games played for Arizona, surpassing Paul Goldschmidt to move to second all-time, now behind Luis Gonzalez for first with 1,194 games. Ketel Marte could easily get to the top spot if he continues to stay healthy, and fans. recognize that.
May 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) celebrates after hitting a triple against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
If Marte eventually surpasses Gonzalez, the conversation immediately shifts from “great player” to “franchise pillar.” That distinction matters when discussing retired numbers. Outside of Jackie Robinson’s universally retired No. 42, the Diamondbacks have reserved that honor for only Luis Gonzalez and Randy Johnson, players who became larger than statistics. Marte is now inching toward that territory.
Apr 29, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Marte (4) gets a base hit against the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Although front offices reset timelines overnight, fan favorites become trade assets before they become legacy pieces. Marte was nearly part of that cycle last season. When trade speculation surrounded Arizona in 2025, Marte could easily have become another productive veteran moved for prospects. Instead, Arizona kept him as a veteran presence and a stabilizer for their franchise. Arizona has been watching Marte evolve from a talented piece to an organizational heartbeat, and if it keeps on the way it’s going, he may have the record for the longest to ever do it in a Diamondbacks uniform.
Diamondbacks second baseman Marte (4) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 16, 2026, in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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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
