Marte's Rest Decisions Strain Arizona With Trade Deadline Approaching
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte has drawn internal criticism for choosing to sit out games at his own discretion, according to USA TODAY, with the MLB trade deadline set for Aug. 3 adding urgency to an already complicated roster situation. Marte's most recent absence came last Wednesday, when he opted not to play against the Los Angeles Dodgers - a decision also influenced by lower-back and hamstring ailments, per Arizona Sports. He returned the following day and hit a walk-off home run.
The incident is not an isolated one. Earlier this season, Marte's absences and off-day requests around the All-Star break created tension among teammates, who objected to the timing of his rest days. Marte subsequently apologized. Speaking through a translator after Thursday's walk-off, Marte offered a measured defense of his approach. "We're all human, and we all need a day here and there," he said.
The friction comes as Arizona weighs its options with one of its most valuable long-term assets. Marte, 31, signed a six-year, $116.5 million extension that began this season and runs through 2030, with a player option for 2031. Despite that commitment, the Diamondbacks explored trading the Dominican Republic-born switch-hitter during the past offseason. A three-time All-Star - including each of the past two seasons - Marte is versatile enough to play second base, shortstop and center field across his 12-year career. This season he is batting .250 with a .754 OPS, 11 home runs, 37 RBI and 37 runs scored in 60 games, his lowest OPS since the 2022 campaign.
With the Aug. 3 deadline approaching, trade interest in Marte is expected to intensify. His contract value - relatively modest given the term and his demonstrated production - makes him an attractive target for contending clubs seeking positional versatility. Whether Arizona elects to move him or retain him through a stretch run that has been complicated by the availability questions will likely define one of the offseason's most closely watched deadline decisions.
