Diamondbacks Explore Trade Options for Ketel Marte Amid Clubhouse Concerns

The Arizona Diamondbacks are weighing a trade for star second baseman Ketel Marte, just a year after securing him to a six-year, $116.5 million extension. Following consecutive seasons of missing the playoffs, the organization is reportedly exploring ways to reshape the roster, and Marte’s name has emerged in trade discussions.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox are among the teams monitoring Marte’s availability. While talks are reportedly underway, no deal has progressed to a serious stage, reflecting the complexities of trading a recently extended, high-salary player.

Marte’s potential move is not primarily performance-related. Sources indicate that clubhouse fit issues have contributed to Arizona’s openness to trade discussions. With over $100 million remaining on his contract, only large-market teams appear positioned to make a viable offer.

Since his breakout season in 2019, Marte has been among the league’s top second basemen. That year, he hit 32 home runs and posted a 6.9 bWAR, finishing fourth in MVP voting, and he has continued to perform at a high level from 2023 through 2025. Despite his on-field consistency, team dynamics could prompt a shift in his future.

1. Blue Jays Could Be a Natural Landing Spot

Toronto presents a clear opportunity for Marte, particularly given potential changes in their infield. The team may lose Bo Bichette to free agency, and Marte’s contract is relatively cost-effective compared with what the Blue Jays might pay for a shortstop of Bichette’s caliber. If acquired, Marte could move to second base while Andres Gimenez shifts to shortstop, maintaining strong defensive coverage while mitigating the loss of Bichette’s offensive contributions. His presence would bolster the lineup with a proven bat and versatile fielding capabilities. From a financial perspective, the Blue Jays would be acquiring a premium player on a long-term deal without the high free-agent price tag. Marte’s experience and offensive consistency provide immediate benefits while allowing Toronto to address a potential hole created by Bichette’s departure. Overall, Marte’s fit in Toronto is straightforward, balancing both financial and on-field considerations while meeting a positional need in a potential championship window.

2. Challenges for a Red Sox Acquisition

For Boston, integrating Marte presents a more complex scenario. The Red Sox already signed Kristian Campbell to a pre-arbitration extension, projecting him as the team’s long-term second baseman. Adding Marte could create redundancy unless a significant trade involves Campbell or another high-level asset. While Marte would certainly provide offensive firepower, the overlap in position could complicate roster construction. A trade would likely require Boston to part with a top prospect or shift their long-term development plans to accommodate both players. Financially, Marte’s contract would represent a substantial commitment for Boston, and with limited roster flexibility, any acquisition would need to be carefully structured. Balancing Marte’s proven talent with long-term infield planning presents a significant strategic challenge. Until these roster and financial issues are addressed, Boston’s interest in Marte may remain exploratory rather than actionable, contrasting with Toronto’s more natural fit and immediate need.

3. Future Outlook

Marte’s potential trade underscores the balancing act teams face between performance, clubhouse dynamics, and long-term planning. Arizona could leverage his market value to address other organizational priorities, particularly in acquiring pitching or young talent. For prospective suitors, acquiring Marte requires careful consideration of both salary and positional fit. Toronto appears to have the clearest path to integrating him, while Boston would need to make structural adjustments to fully utilize his skills. As offseason discussions progress, the Diamondbacks’ decision will hinge on both the offers presented and internal evaluations of team chemistry. How Arizona navigates this situation could have ripple effects for multiple franchises in 2026. *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-WEB:8b9680b5-b40c-4251-8bfb-e8fea3c1f7d4-23” data-testid=“conversation-turn-18” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

Despite a recent contract extension, Ketel Marte may be traded as the Diamondbacks seek roster realignment, with Toronto positioned as the most logical landing spot and Boston facing structural challenges.