Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen discussed the time frame of a resolution regarding second baseman Ketel Marte’s uncertain future.
“I haven’t figured that out yet,” Hazen told MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert (h/t ESPN). “But this isn’t going to continue to linger. We need to focus our offseason. Again, my gut this whole time was that [a trade of Marte] wasn’t going to happen, and I think it seems likely that that’s the case and we want to focus on other things we need to do.”
“We’re going to need to start focusing on our position-player group at some point a little more specifically,” he added. “That’s the other reason to finalize what we’re doing with other players, so we have a little more direction on what we can do and what it might look like.”
Marte has generated interest on the trade market throughout the offseason, as he’s been linked to the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi also reported that the Red Sox were “viewed as stronger candidates” to trade for the three-time All-Star compared to the Blue Jays.
Marte is still under contract with Arizona through 2030 and owns a player option for his 2031 campaign after signing a six-year extension worth $116.5 million with the team in April.
He has a five-team no-trade list as part of the contract, but he’ll receive full no-trade protection in April 2026 by compiling 10 years of MLB service time as well as five consecutive years with the same club (via Spotrac).
The Diamondbacks could choose to trade Marte to the highest bidder before he’ll be able to determine his future destination, especially if they want to create more financial flexibility for their reported pursuit of Alex Bregman in free agency.
Arizona may also focus on adding more pitching help after signing right-hander Merrill Kelly on Dec. 14.
Marte is coming off another strong season in 2025, racking up 28 home runs and 28 doubles to go along with 72 RBI while slashing .283/.376/.517.