The Arizona Diamondbacks will spend time exploring whether to break up a core that has missed the postseason three straight years, and trading Ketel Marte would be the most logical step, a source familiar with the club’s thinking told ESPN.
ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported Friday that Arizona has not had formal talks with Marte about a trade this offseason, according to a source. Those talks will not happen until an offer the Diamondbacks consider worthy comes in.
Marte, 33, received 10-and-5 rights in April, so he can block any deal. ESPN reported that he is owed $76 million over the next four years. He is under contract through 2030 with a player option for 2031.
Ketel Marte’s Price Has Come Down
Arizona could not find a fit for Marte last winter. Its bar for a deal will not be nearly as high as it was a year ago, according to ESPN.
General manager Mike Hazen said this week that the Diamondbacks have fallen short of the playoffs the last three years with the group that went to the World Series.
“I just think I need to be open to making adjustments to what the roster looks like,” Hazen said.
Diamondbacks Still Need Bullpen Help
The Diamondbacks won 84 games and reached the World Series in 2023. They followed with 89, 80, and 86 wins.
If the core stays together, ESPN reported, Arizona would again add on the margins with bullpen help and a left-handed-hitting first baseman. Hazen said the middle of the bullpen “needs help” after three relievers left in free agency.
The Texas Rangers are also open to trading a star with 10-and-5 rights, Corey Seager, according to ESPN. The current collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1.
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