Diamondbacks trade rumors heat up as Ketel Marte frustrates organization

Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte has reportedly angered people within the organization as the MLB trade deadline approaches.

Marte, a hitter with power on both ends, is someone Arizona tried to trade last winter despite his talent and his six-year extension that started this season.

However USA TODAY It was reported that Marte “continues to disappoint some segments of the organization by choosing to take days off.” Most recently, Marte decided to sit out last week’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where superstar Shohei Ohtani was pitching, and then started a home run for the D-Backs the next day.

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The reason Marte missed last Wednesday’s game was a combination of his own decision as well as the second baseman dealing with lower back and hamstring ailments. Arizona Sports. Marte didn’t want to risk further injury.

“We are all human and we all need a day here and there,” Marte said through a translator after scoring in Thursday’s match.

KETEL MARTE RECEIVES HUGE APPLAUSE FROM DIAMONDBACKS FANS IN HIS FIRST HOME GAME SINCE CONtroversial HECKLING

This also isn’t new for Marte, who created tension in the clubhouse with absences and leave requests during the All-Star break. Marte’s teammates reportedly disliked trying to time his days off, which led to him later apologizing.

Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks bats during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on May 30, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Maddy Grassy/Getty Images)

With Marte being involved in trade rumors in the past, they will certainly hit MLB’s trade deadline, which is scheduled for August 3 this year. It’s later than usual, but with teams dealing with injuries as well as trying to strengthen their lineups, rotations and playing fields, players with Marte’s talent will certainly lead to calls from those in the Arizona front office.

Marte needs to be sold at a high price, considering he is under contract through the 2030 season at a relatively low price after signing his six-year, $116.5 million contract. He also has a player option for the 2031 season, when he will be 37 years old.

Although second base is his usual spot on the field, Marte has also played shortstop and center field during his 12-year career. The Dominican Republic product has earned All-Star honors three times, including the last two seasons.

Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona on May 23, 2026. (Norm Hall/Getty Images)

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This year Marte is slashing .250/.304/.450 with a .754 OPS; that’s the lowest mark (0.727) since the 2022 campaign in Arizona. He kicked 11 goals, made 37 runs and kicked 37 goals in 60 appearances.

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