Ketel Marte will not be traded and will return to the Diamondbacks this season, a source confirmed Friday.
The team has not confirmed the news.
Marte has been one of the best players in Major League Baseball over the last six seasons, making three All-Star teams, including being voted the NL starter at second base the last two Midsummer Classics, while winning two Silver Slugger Awards and compiling a bWAR of 27.8 and a slash line of .289/.363/.510 over that stretch.
Marte, 32, finished fourth in the NL MVP voting in 2019, third in 2024 and 22nd last season.
Looking to bolster their pitching staff while at the same time reducing last year’s Opening Day club-record $195 million payroll prompted the Diamondbacks to listen to offers for Marte this winter.
Marte was attractive to teams not just for his performance on the field, but also his contract. The 32-year-old has signed three contract extensions with the Diamondbacks, with the latest coming last April, which runs through 2030 with a player option for 2031.
Marte is set to make $15 million in 2026, $12 million in 2027, $20 million in 2028, $22 million in 2029 and $22 million in 2030. His player option for 2031 is for $11.5 million.
The deal includes escalators based on his finish in the MVP voting as well as plate appearances. The contract also includes $46 million in deferred salary.
Marte will gain 10/5 rights in April, meaning that he cannot be traded after that without his approval.
