Yankees Unlikely to Acquire Ketel Marte Amid No-Trade Clause

The New York Yankees have remained quiet during the early stages of the offseason, and reports suggest their pursuit of Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte faces a major obstacle. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Yankees are among five teams on Marte’s no-trade list, effectively preventing an immediate deal.

Marte’s no-trade protections will expand further in 2026, giving him full control over potential moves once he reaches 10 years of major-league service and five consecutive seasons with the same team. Until then, the Diamondbacks’ ability to trade him to certain clubs, including New York, remains limited.

Despite the restriction, Marte’s production continues to make him an attractive asset. In 126 games in 2025, he hit 28 home runs, drove in 72 runs, and posted an .893 OPS. According to Baseball Savant, he ranked in the 95th percentile in Batting Run Value and the 96th percentile in expected batting average (xBA).

While Arizona could look to trade Marte to improve its pitching staff, past clubhouse concerns and contract considerations may complicate any deal. The Yankees, meanwhile, must evaluate whether acquiring a high-profile player like Marte fits within their roster plans and positional structure.

1. Marte’s Production and Appeal

Ketel Marte remains one of the National League’s top performers. A three-time All-Star and 2023 NLCS MVP, he has consistently produced both power and efficiency at the plate, making him highly valuable to contending teams. Marte’s 2025 season underscored his all-around abilities, combining 28 home runs with strong on-base and slugging numbers. Advanced metrics reinforce his impact, with standout marks in Batting Run Value and xBA, demonstrating his ability to generate runs and maintain consistent contact. Contractually, Marte is owed $102.5 million over the next six seasons, including $41 million in deferred payments spread over a decade. The structure results in an average annual value of $14.6 million for luxury-tax purposes, making him appealing to large-market teams trying to balance payroll constraints. These factors—production, contract efficiency, and potential upside—make Marte an intriguing target, particularly for teams looking to reinforce their lineup without exceeding financial thresholds.

2. No-Trade Restrictions and Potential Roadblocks

Despite his appeal, Marte’s no-trade list limits where he can be sent. The Yankees, along with the Athletics, Pirates, Giants, and Cardinals, are currently barred from acquiring him without a waiver or change in circumstances. Marte will gain full trade protections in 2026, but until then, any team on his no-trade list will need to wait or negotiate exceptions. This reduces flexibility for both Arizona and prospective suitors, complicating potential offseason moves. Even if the Yankees were allowed to pursue a deal, positional considerations make a trade challenging. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is expected to occupy second base, while Anthony Volpe and Ryan McMahon are projected at shortstop and third base, leaving limited openings in the infield. This structural challenge makes it unlikely that Marte will land in New York, barring unforeseen changes. Both sides would need a unique alignment of roster need, contractual flexibility, and player willingness for a deal to materialize.

3. Arizona’s Strategy and Outlook

The Diamondbacks could still explore trading Marte as they look to upgrade their pitching staff, including starting rotation and bullpen depth. Acquiring prospects or financial flexibility could make the move worthwhile, particularly if a team outside Marte’s no-trade list expresses interest. While there may be interest from other clubs, past clubhouse issues and the player’s preferences will factor into any negotiations. Teams must weigh the benefits of Marte’s performance against potential off-field risks and integration challenges. For the Yankees, the situation underscores the challenges of pursuing high-profile players with contractual protections. It also highlights the importance of aligning roster needs with available talent, as well as respecting player-designated no-trade clauses. Ultimately, the current landscape makes a move for Marte unlikely, leaving the Yankees to explore alternative paths for roster improvement as the 2026 season approaches.