The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to remain competitive in a highly competitive National League West division this year. The team brought back both right-handers Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen in free agency, and the front office also decided against trading switch‑hitting slugger Ketel Marte.
He was briefly available on the trade block and drew significant interest, but Arizona ultimately did not believe any offer matched his value. That decision makes sense considering Marte is on a very team‑friendly six‑year, $116.5 million extension that keeps him under contract through the 2031 season, and he continues to outperform that deal.
The 32‑year‑old earned his third All‑Star selection and second Silver Slugger Award last year despite the team’s struggles.
© Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
With Opening Day just days away, Marte’s availability is crucial for the Diamondbacks as they look to stay in contention. He has had an eventful spring, suiting up for Team Dominican Republic at this year’s World Baseball Classic and getting valuable reps against elite competition.
Arizona was set to play its final spring training game on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians in what was expected to resemble its Opening Day lineup. Marte was listed in his usual leadoff spot at second base.
However, moments before first pitch, the Diamondbacks announced a revised lineup that removed Marte and inserted Ildemaro Vargas in his place. Manager Torey Lovullo explained the decision to reporters and offered reassuring news.
Lovullo said Marte was scratched due to soreness but added that there was no concern about his availability for Opening Day (h/t Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports).
This is reassuring for the Diamondbacks, who expect to have their full lineup intact to begin the season. Marte is preparing for his tenth year in Arizona.
He arrived ahead of the 2017 season in a trade with the Seattle Mariners, a move that helped reshape the franchise’s direction. Marte played a major role in the organization’s 2023 run to the World Series, a postseason push that ultimately fell just short.
Arizona knows that if it plans to return to October baseball, keeping Marte healthy and productive will be one of the keys to its season.
