Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 8
Ketel Marte Frustrates Diamondbacks With Opt-Out Days as $116.5 Million Trade Questions Grow
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 8

Ketel Marte Frustrates Diamondbacks With Opt-Out Days as $116.5 Million Trade Questions Grow

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 8

Summary

  • Ketel Marte has frustrated parts of the Diamondbacks organization by choosing rest days, including sitting out last week’s Dodgers game before returning the next day with a walk-off home run.
  • Lower-back and hamstring issues contributed to the latest absence, though the report said the decision was also partly Marte’s as he tried to avoid aggravating the injuries.
  • The tension is not new: teammates previously objected to trying to plan around his requested off-days near the All-Star break, prompting an apology.
  • Trade speculation could intensify ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline because Arizona explored moving Marte last winter despite his six-year, $116.5 million deal running through 2030.
  • Marte remains a valuable but more complicated asset, hitting .250 with 11 homers and a .754 OPS in 60 games while offering experience at second base, shortstop and center field.

Insights

Now holding full no-trade power, will Ketel Marte force his way out of Arizona or reconcile with the organization?
Is Marte's controversial approach to rest a team liability or the future of preserving star MLB players?