A new rumor reveals that instead of trading away All-Star Ketel Marte, he could be in the Arizona Diamondbacks‘ plans for 2026, which hopefully will include two-time champion Alex Bregman.
During their nearly 30 years in existence, the Diamondbacks have always been a team with a mid-market payroll, at best. However, when ownership senses they could be a big piece or two away from World Series contention, they get far more bold to improve the roster.
That was the case in 2000 when they added ace Kurt Schilling to a rotation that already included fellow star pitcher Randy Johnson. The move paid off, and they played a huge role in winning their lone World Series in 2001. Last offseason, the team again came out of nowhere to make a big move.
After surprisingly reaching the World Series the season before, the Diamondbacks won the sweepstakes for All-Star pitcher Corbin Burnes. Unfortunately, he needed to get Tommy John surgery, and they finished with a disappointing 80-82 record in 2025.
Over the last few weeks, there have been reports that the team is open to trading All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte. However, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, they may end up holding on to him and making a run at the Los Angeles Dodgers and the division title if they make a specific signing soon.
AZ Diamondbacks Could Keep Ketel Marte if They Sign Alex Bregman
A scenario exists in which the Arizona Diamondbacks would both sign free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman and keep second baseman Ketel Marte,” Rosenthal claimed. “Those two, combined with right fielder Corbin Carroll and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, would give the DBacks four of the top position players in the game.
“Arizona owner Ken Kendrick routinely extends his payroll when he believes his team has a chance to win.”
That would be a formidable core-four for the AZ Diamondbacks if they do win the Bregman sweepstakes this offseason. However, the veteran MLB insider does caution that trading Marte is probably still in their best interest because they need to improve their pitching staff. Especially if they do lose Zac Gallen in MLB free agency.
