Diamondbacks trade rumors are heating up as Ketel Marte frustrates the organization

Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte has reportedly been frustrating people in the organization as the MLB trade deadline approaches.

Marte, a switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate, is someone Arizona tried to trade this past winter despite his talent and the six-year extension that started this offseason.

But USA TODAY reported that Marte “continues to frustrate parts of the organization by choosing to take days off.” Most recently, Marte decided to sit out last week’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, in which superstar Shohei Ohtani was playing, and then proceeded to hit a walk-off run the next day against the D-Backs.

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The reason Marte missed last Wednesday’s game was a combination of his decision and the second player suffering from lower back and back issues, according to Arizona Sports. Marte didn’t want to risk another injury.

“We’re all human, and we all need a day here and there,” Marte said through an interpreter following his walk-off homer in Thursday’s game.

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This is also nothing new for Marte, who has caused tension in the clubhouse due to absences and requests for a day near the All-Star break. It is reported that Marte’s teammates were not happy with trying to schedule his days off, which led to him later apologizing.

Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks bats 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 will certainly continue with the MLB trade deadline scheduled for August 3 this year. It’s a bit later than usual, but with teams dealing with injuries and trying to strengthen their lineups, rotations and bullpens, players with Marte’s talent will lead to calls from the Arizona front office.

Marte should be traded for a high price, if at all, if he is under contract through the 2030 campaign at a very 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 position on the field, Marte has played shortstop and center field in his 12-year career. The Dominican Republic product has earned three All-Star nods, including in each of the past two seasons.

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the fourth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 23, 2026. (Norm Hall/Getty Images)

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This year, Marte is slashing .250/.304/.450 with a .754 OPS — his 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.

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