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Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte has reportedly been frustrating people in the organization with the MLB trade deadline coming up.
Marte, a switch hitter with power from both sides of the plate, is someone Arizona tried to trade last winter despite his talent and six-year extension that started this season.
But USA TODAY reported that Marte “continues to frustrate parts of the organization by choosing to take time off.” Most recently, Marte decided to sit out last week’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where superstar Shohei Ohtani pitched, and then went on to hit a walk-off home run the next day for the D-Backs.
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Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks looks on before the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington on May 30, 2026. (Maddy Grassy/Getty Images)
The reason Marte missed last Wednesday’s game was a mix of his decision as well as the second baseman dealing with lower back and hamstring ailments, according to Arizona Sports. Marte didn’t want to risk further damage.
“We’re all human and we all need a day here and there,” Marte said through a translator following the walk-off homer he hit in Thursday’s game.
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This is also nothing new for Marte, who created some tension in the clubhouse due to absences and day-off inquiries near the All-Star break. It was reported that Marte’s teammates did not appreciate trying to time his days off, leading to an apology later.
Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington on May 30, 2026. (Maddy Grassy/Getty Images)
Since Marte has been involved in trade rumors in the past, they are sure to pick up with MLB’s trade deadline scheduled for August 3rd of this year. It’s later than usual, but with teams dealing with injuries as well as trying to strengthen their lineups, rotations and bullpens, players with Marte’s talent are sure to lead to calls for them in the Arizona front office.
Marte should be sold at a high price, if at all, as he is under contract through the 2030 campaign 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.
While second base is his usual spot on the field, Marte has played shortstop as well as center field in his 12-year career. The Dominican Republic product has earned three All-Star nods, including each of the past two seasons.
Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the fourth inning 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 — the lowest mark since his 2022 campaign in Arizona (.727). He has hit 11 homers, driven in 37 runs and scored 37 times in 60 games.
