PHOENIX – This offseason will unfortunately be reminiscent of the past, as the Arizona Diamondbacks missed the playoffs yet again by only 1 game. The biggest question now surrounding the D-backs, other than the managerial decision, is what exactly they should do with Ketel Marte.
Sep 15, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona second baseman Marte reacts after the end of the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For years, Marte has been one of the franchise’s faces alongside Corbin Carroll. He has been a three-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger, the 2023 NLCS MVP, and one of the most important players from Arizona’s World Series run. The Diamondbacks also committed to keeping him long-term, signing him to an extension through 2030 with a player option for 2031.
Apr 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona infielder Marte (4) advances to third against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The conversation has now changed surrounding his future in the desert. Marte’s missed time and his controversial absence during Arizona’s series in Boston have created questions among fans about his relationship with the organization and his place in the clubhouse. Those questions matter because a superstar’s value isn’t determined entirely by his numbers, but Marte’s numbers remain valuable. Even after a down 2026 season, he remains one of the most elite offensive second basemen in baseball.
Forever etched in Diamondbacks history. pic.twitter.com/f75gRZeUfQ
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 27, 2026
The problem is that trading Marte isn’t entirely Arizona’s decision anymore. After reaching 10 years of MLB service time and five consecutive years with the Diamondbacks, Marte gained full 10-and-5 rights in 2026. He can veto any trade, and that dramatically changes the equation. Arizona could listen to offers, but unless Marte approves a destination, the Diamondbacks have no trade.
Diamondbacks 2B Ketel Marte becomes a 10-and-5 player today meaning he can no longer be traded without his permission.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 3, 2026
What would they actually receive? A superstar with a relatively team-friendly contract is attractive, but a 32-year-old coming off a less productive season alongside all the off-field issues this season carries considerably more uncertainty than the player who helped lead Arizona to the World Series. That makes this less about simply asking whether Marte should be traded; the bigger question is whether the Diamondbacks believe the best version of their next contender still includes him.
Jun 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona second baseman Marte against the Minnesota Twins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If Arizona moves him, it would mark an extraordinary ending to one of the longest and most accomplished careers in franchise history. If they keep him, the organization must believe Marte can once again become the player who made him indispensable, and hope that the issues are in the past. Either way, this is no longer just a baseball decision; it is a decision about what the next era of Diamondbacks baseball is supposed to look like.
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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
