Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Arizona Diamondbacks have decided to shut down trade discussions involving Ketel Marte, ensuring the veteran star will return to the club for the upcoming season.

The move brings resolution to one of the more closely watched situations of the offseason, as multiple teams had monitored Arizona’s willingness to consider dealing one of the National League’s most productive players.

Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen hinted earlier this winter that the organization did not want Marte’s status to linger indefinitely.

That internal timeline has now passed, and Arizona appears ready to move forward with Marte as a foundational piece of its roster. While the team has not formally confirmed the decision, the messaging from around the league suggests the door is effectively closed.

Marte’s value is rooted in both his consistency and his impact. Over the last six seasons, he has been among the most complete players in baseball, earning three All-Star selections and starting at second base in the last two National League All-Star Games.

He has also won two Silver Slugger Awards and produced a combined .289/.363/.510 slash line during that stretch, along with 27.8 bWAR.

The 32-year-old has frequently drawn MVP consideration as well. Marte finished fourth in National League MVP voting in 2019 and followed that with a third-place finish in 2024. Even last season, when Arizona experienced more uneven results, Marte still landed 22nd in MVP voting, reinforcing his status as a steady elite contributor.

Arizona’s willingness to listen to offers was driven more by roster construction and payroll management than dissatisfaction with Marte’s performance.

The Diamondbacks entered the offseason aiming to strengthen their pitching staff while also reducing a payroll that reached a franchise-record $195 million on Opening Day last year. Given Marte’s age, value, and contract structure, rival clubs naturally saw him as a realistic trade target.

One of those teams was the San Francisco Giants. Second base remains one of San Francisco’s thinnest positions, and Marte’s ability to slide between the infield and outfield made him an especially appealing fit.

The Giants have prioritized positional flexibility in recent seasons, and Marte’s defensive versatility would have allowed them to address multiple needs without reshaping their entire roster.

Marte’s contract only added to the interest. Signed through 2030 with a player option for 2031, the deal calls for salaries of $15 million in 2026 and $12 million in 2027 before increasing into the low-$20 million range later in the contract. It also includes escalators based on plate appearances and MVP finishes, along with $46 million in deferred money.

Ultimately, Arizona determined that keeping Marte was the best path forward. That stance will soon be reinforced further, as Marte is set to gain full 10-and-5 rights in April, giving him the ability to veto any trade without his approval.

For the Diamondbacks, retaining Marte signals a commitment to competing now rather than resetting. With their star second baseman back in the fold, Arizona enters the season anchored by one of the most reliable performers in the National League.

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