Should the Diamondbacks Trade Star Infielder Ketel Marte This Offseason?

The 2025-26 MLB offseason is already shaping up to be full of speculation, with one of the most talked-about names being Ketel Marte. As one of the Diamondbacks’ most productive players, Marte naturally draws attention from teams seeking to bolster their lineup. Rumors have circulated about a potential trade, though the team’s front office has publicly downplayed them.

Despite reassurances, multiple sources suggest that a trade could make sense strategically. With the MLB trade market evolving and teams actively seeking proven infield talent, the timing could be crucial for Arizona if they want to maximize return value.

Marte’s skill set—his combination of power, speed, and defensive versatility—makes him one of the league’s most valuable second basemen. That versatility would allow acquiring teams to plug him into multiple roles, increasing his trade appeal.

Ultimately, any decision to move Marte would involve weighing the short-term loss of talent against long-term organizational needs, a calculus familiar to many front offices but emotionally charged when a star player is involved.

1. The Timing Could Not Be More Critical

Ken Rosenthal highlighted a key contractual factor influencing the decision. Marte will reach 10 years of MLB service in April, with five consecutive seasons for the Diamondbacks, granting him full trade veto rights. This milestone makes the upcoming offseason potentially the last opportunity for Arizona to negotiate a trade without resistance. By acting before Marte gains veto power, the team retains leverage in trade talks, which could translate into a more favorable return. Waiting could limit options or force Arizona into a deal less advantageous to their roster construction. Marte’s proven ability to impact games—despite missing 36 contests last season—adds urgency. The Diamondbacks ranked sixth in MLB in runs in 2025, demonstrating that even with Marte’s occasional absence, his trade value remains significant. The timing issue underscores a broader question: whether the Diamondbacks are willing to part with a cornerstone player now to address other pressing roster needs, or hold on and risk losing flexibility.

2. Pitching Depth Drives Trade Considerations

Arizona’s rotation faces serious uncertainty heading into 2026. Merrill Kelly has already been traded, and Zac Gallen could depart in free agency, leaving the Diamondbacks thin in veteran starting pitching. Corbin Burnes, recovering from Tommy John surgery, and relievers Justin Martinez and AJ Puk are also on uncertain timelines for performance. A trade involving Marte could be structured to target high-caliber pitchers in return, filling gaps in a rotation otherwise lacking experienced arms. Acquiring dependable starters would help stabilize the team for a playoff push or sustained competitiveness in the division. This need for pitching creates a strong incentive to explore trades, especially if the front office believes Marte’s peak value may not last indefinitely. The potential payoff could justify the difficult decision to move a franchise cornerstone. Even with these considerations, team leadership must carefully evaluate whether the incoming talent offsets the immediate impact of losing one of the team’s best hitters.

3. The Emotional and Strategic Dilemma

Marte’s consistent performance and standing as one of the league’s top second basemen make any trade decision difficult on multiple levels. Fans and teammates alike would feel the loss, creating internal and external pressure on management to retain him. From a strategic standpoint, however, the decision is clearer: the Diamondbacks must balance the allure of long-term pitching stability with the cost of parting with an elite infielder. The organization’s approach in negotiations will likely focus on securing a return that addresses roster weaknesses without mortgaging the team’s competitive future. Even if a trade does not occur this offseason, the mere discussion highlights the challenging nature of roster management in modern baseball, where timing, player rights, and team needs intersect. For the Diamondbacks, Marte’s future will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the offseason.