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Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte has reportedly frustrated people within the organization as the MLB trade deadline approaches.
Marte, a power hitter from both sides of the plate, is someone Arizona attempted to trade last winter despite his talent and the six-year extension that began this season.
But USA TODAY reported that Marte “continues to frustrate certain segments 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, where superstar Shohei Ohtani was pitching, and he then hit a home run the next day for the D-Backs.
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Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks looks on before the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington on May 30, 2026. (Maddy Grassy/Getty Images)
The reason Marte missed last Wednesday’s game was a mix of his decision as well as the second baseman dealing with lower back and hamstring soreness, according to Arizona Sports. Marte didn’t want to risk further injury.
“We’re all human and we all need a day here and there,” Marte said through a translator after the home run he hit in Thursday’s game.
KETEL MARTE RECEIVES REQUESTED OVATION FROM DIAMONDBACKS FANS DURING FIRST HOME MATCH SINCE CONTROVERSIAL EACH
This is also nothing new for Marte, who has created tension in the clubhouse due to absences and requests for time off as the All-Star break approaches. It was reported that Marte’s teammates did not appreciate trying to time his days off, which led to an apology later.
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)
With Marte having been involved in trade rumors in the past, they will definitely pick up the MLB trade deadline scheduled for August 3rd of this year. It’s later than usual, but with teams dealing with injuries and trying to strengthen their lineups, rotations and bullpens, players with Marte’s talent will surely draw calls to those in the Arizona front office.
Marte is expected to be sold at a high price, if at all, considering he is under contract through 2030 at a relatively low price after signing his six-year, $116.5 million deal. He also has a player option for the 2031 season, where he will be 37 years old.
Although second base is his usual spot on the field, Marte played shortstop as well as center field during his 12-year career. The Dominican Republic product has earned three All-Star nominations, including each of the last two seasons.
Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the fourth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona on May 23, 2026. (Norm Room/Getty Images)
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This year, Marte is slashing .250/.304/.450 with a .754 OPS – the lowest mark since his 2022 campaign in Arizona (.727). He hit 11 home runs, drove in 37 runs and scored 37 times in 60 games.
