Ketel Marte trade rumors are resurfacing as the Arizona Diamondbacks enter another offseason with questions about their second baseman’s future. The veteran remained in Arizona after trade discussions last winter, but his situation is drawing attention again.
Marte, 33, finished the 2026 season batting .249 with 22 home runs, 76 RBIs and a .748 OPS across 141 games. He produced a 103 wRC+ and 2.5 WAR.
The Tampa Bay Rays previously explored acquiring the switch-hitting infielder before those talks ended in January.
Foul Territory shared a clip Wednesday on X, formerly Twitter, featuring USA Today’s Bob Nightengale discussing Marte during the show’s “Nightengale’s Notes” segment.
“I could see the Rays jumping back in this thing. Obviously, they don't have to give up as much as a year ago. He's got a reasonable contract. You know, it's about $15 million a year, about $85 million left, and you got to have a strong clubhouse presence if you're going to get Marte. You know, the Rays have that in Yandy Diaz.”
Fire up the Ketel Marte trade rumors again…@BNightengale can see the Rays "jumping back in this thing." 👀 pic.twitter.com/0npUU0yp1O
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) November 4, 2026
Nightengale’s comments identify a potential fit rather than establish renewed negotiations. His view that the Rays could surrender less does not confirm the Diamondbacks’ current asking price.
Previous discussions between the clubs included starting pitchers Ryan Pepiot and Shane Baz. That history provides context for the proposed match without establishing which players Arizona would seek this time.
Article Continues BelowMarte also gained significant control over his destination in April, securing 10-and-5 rights that allow him to veto any trade.
His season included an August stint on the injured list with left knee inflammation. Arizona activated him on August 31.
Diaz, the clubhouse presence Nightengale cited, has spent eight seasons with Tampa Bay since arriving in a December 2018 trade with the then-Cleveland Indians.
The Rays are coming off a World Series appearance, while Marte remains a Diamondback. Any move would require agreement between the clubs and the second baseman’s approval.

