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Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte has reportedly been frustrating people within the organization with the looming MLB trade deadline.
Marte, a switch-hitter with power on both sides of the plate, is someone Arizona tried to trade last winter despite his talent and the six-year extension that took effect this season.
But USA TODAY reported that Marte “continues to frustrate segments of the organization by choosing to take days off.” Most recently, Marte decided not to attend last week's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where superstar Shohei Ohtani was pitching, and then proceeded to hit a home run the next day for the D-Backs.
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Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks watches 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 combination of his decision and the fact that the second baseman was dealing with lower back and hamstring ailments, according to Arizona Sports. Marte didn't want to risk further injuries.
“We're all human and we all need a day here and there,” Marte said through a translator after Thursday's game-ending home run.
KETEL MARTE RECEIVES STANDING OVATION FROM DIAMONDBACKS FANS IN FIRST HOME GAME SINCE CONTROVERSIAL INTERRUPTION
This is also nothing new for Marte, who created some tension in the clubhouse due to absences and requests for days off near the All-Star break. It was reported that Marte's teammates did not like 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)
Since Marte has been involved in trade rumors in the past, they will certainly pick up the MLB trade deadline scheduled for August 3 of this year. It's later than usual, but with teams dealing with injuries and trying to shore up their lineups, rotations and bullpens, players with Marte's talent will surely lead to calls to those in Arizona's front office.
Marte should sell for a high price, if anything, given that he is under contract through the 2030 season at a relatively low price after signing his six-year, $116.5 million contract. He also has a player option for the 2031 season, where he will turn 37 years old.
While second base is his usual spot on the field, Marte has played both shortstop and center field in his 12-year career. The Dominican Republic product has earned three All-Star nods, 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 during the fourth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 23, 2026. (Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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This year, Marte is hitting .250/.304/.450 with a .754 OPS, the lowest mark since his 2022 campaign in Arizona (.727). He has hit 11 home runs, driven in 37 runs and scored 37 times in 60 games.
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