The Arizona Diamondbacks may eventually have to make an uncomfortable decision involving one of the most important players on their roster.
According to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, portions of the organization have grown frustrated with second baseman Ketel Marte over multiple instances this season in which he has elected to take rest days.
One recent sequence reportedly drew particular attention.
Marte did not play in Arizona’s game against Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. He returned the following day and delivered a walk-off home run, a sequence Nightengale reported created frustration among some inside the organization.
The report also added context to an already notable situation by indicating that Arizona explored trade possibilities involving Marte during the offseason before ultimately deciding to keep him.
That decision remains significant considering the financial commitment attached to the veteran infielder.
After this season, Marte still has $87.5 million in guaranteed money remaining on his contract.
At the same time, his importance to Arizona’s lineup remains difficult to overlook.
While his .246 batting average and .742 OPS represent a quieter offensive season compared to his recent standards, Marte has still produced 11 home runs and 37 RBIs across 61 games.
His résumé remains strong.
Marte earned All-Star selections in each of the previous two seasons and captured the National League Silver Slugger Award at second base in both years, continuing to establish himself among the most productive offensive players at his position.
At 32 years old, Marte has entered a different phase of his career, but Arizona’s competitive timeline still aligns with maximizing the current core.
That becomes especially important given where the Diamondbacks currently stand.
Arizona owns a 34-31 record and sits just 0.5 games ahead of the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago Cubs for the final National League Wild Card position.
That context makes any conversation involving Marte significantly more complicated.
Moving one of the team’s best players in the middle of a postseason race would be difficult to justify strictly from a baseball standpoint.
However, internal dynamics sometimes influence decisions beyond production alone.
If frustration inside the organization becomes more substantial and Arizona believes a change benefits both sides, Marte would likely attract strong interest across the league.
His offensive profile, positional value, and long-term contract control would appeal to contenders searching for impact talent.
Any potential move would likely require a return centered around premium prospects and young major league-ready players.
For now, though, Arizona remains firmly in the postseason picture.
That reality may ultimately make keeping Marte the most logical outcome, even as questions about the long-term fit continue to follow the situation.
