Ketel Marte Sparks Trade Buzz as Diamondbacks Enter Offseason Market

The Arizona Diamondbacks have made it clear they are open to major roster moves this offseason, and star second baseman Ketel Marte has quickly become a focal point of trade speculation. According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, the team is “actively listening” to offers for Marte, with the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays among the clubs that have already made inquiries.

Morosi added that there is at least a “50-50 chance” Marte could be moved, highlighting the possibility that Arizona may pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal. The 32-year-old switch-hitter comes off a strong 2025 campaign, hitting .283 with 28 home runs, 72 RBIs, and an .893 OPS over 126 games. His contract runs through 2030 at $105 million, offering both elite production and long-term control — a combination attracting leaguewide attention.

For potential suitors, Marte represents more than just a star bat. Philadelphia views him as an upgrade over Bryson Stott at second base, hoping his presence could help push the Phillies past consecutive NLDS exits. Meanwhile, Toronto sees Marte’s switch-hitting power and on-base skills as a solution for balancing a right-heavy lineup that struggled in 2025.

From Arizona’s perspective, the move is driven by a mix of payroll constraints and pitching needs. With Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly departing in free agency and Corbin Burnes recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Diamondbacks are in search of rotation depth. Trading Marte could free up roughly $15 million in salary while potentially bringing back MLB-ready pitching talent.

1. Market Value and Interest

Ketel Marte’s combination of offensive production and contract control makes him one of the most attractive trade assets on the market. At 32, he still delivers All-Star-level performance while remaining under team control for several years. The Phillies have reportedly expressed strong interest, seeing Marte as a potential catalyst to break through the NLDS barrier. His ability to hit for power and maintain a high on-base percentage complements Philadelphia’s existing core and fills a key positional need. Toronto’s front office is also evaluating Marte as a means to bolster an offense that underperformed last season. His switch-hitting ability could address lineup imbalances and provide more consistency against both right- and left-handed pitching. Leaguewide, teams recognize that acquiring a player of Marte’s caliber would require significant return, which is why interest has been measured but serious. Teams understand that Arizona would not move him without a blockbuster package.

2. Arizona’s Rationale

The Diamondbacks’ willingness to entertain offers is tied directly to roster construction challenges. Payroll flexibility is limited after the club set a record $195 million budget in 2025, and pitching depth has been significantly reduced in the offseason. Ace Zac Gallen and veteran Merrill Kelly have departed via free agency, and Corbin Burnes is unavailable while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The team will need rotation reinforcements to remain competitive in 2026. Trading Marte could generate both financial relief and tangible returns. Approximately $15 million in payroll could be freed, allowing Arizona to pursue MLB-ready pitching or other key contributors without sacrificing long-term flexibility. General manager Mike Hazen has tempered expectations, calling a trade “mostly unlikely” unless it includes a blockbuster return. He emphasized that any move must align with the team’s strategic priorities, even as multiple clubs continue to inquire.

3. Future Implications

A Marte trade would mark the end of a significant chapter for the Diamondbacks. He has been a cornerstone of the franchise for years, providing consistent offensive production and stability at second base. The move would also signal a shift in Arizona’s approach, prioritizing financial flexibility and pitching depth over retaining star talent. It reflects the difficult balance small- and mid-market teams face between contention and payroll management. For interested teams, acquiring Marte could reshape their lineup and postseason trajectory. A Phillies or Blue Jays deal could have ripple effects across the NL and AL playoff picture, adding both excitement and complexity to the offseason. As the Diamondbacks weigh offers, fans and league observers alike are watching closely. Any deal involving Marte will not only redefine Arizona’s roster but also serve as a bellwether for the team’s strategy in balancing competitiveness with fiscal responsibility.