Ketel Marte Inks 6-Year, $116.5M Deal with Diamondbacks

Ketel Marte, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ star second baseman, reportedly agreed on a new contract Wednesday worth $116.5 million over the next six years. The new extension will replace the previous deal he signed in 2022 — five years, $76 million.

Marte, who turns 32 in October, has become a premier all-around player during his time with the Diamondbacks. He began his Major League career with the Seattle Mariners in 2015, but lasted just two seasons before being traded to Arizona in a deal that also included Taijuan Walker, Mitch Haniger, and Jean Segura. Marte was named an All-Star in his third year with the Diamondbacks, and finished in fourth place for the National League MVP in 2019.

In 2023, Marte was a main catalyst for Arizona’s surprising run to the World Series. He was named NLCS MVP after going 12-for-31 (.387 AVG) and delivering a walk-off hit in Game 3. Marte holds the record for the longest playoff hitting streak at 20 games.

Following a brilliant playoff run, the 2024 regular season was arguably Marte’s best. He slugged a career-high 36 HR and slashed .292/.372/.560 for the league’s No. 1 scoring offense. Marte earned his second career All-Star nod, finished third in NL MVP voting, and was named a Silver Slugger.

Given his elite hitting ability and solid glove, Marte is considered the consensus No. 1 second baseman in all of baseball.

Arizona’s continued belief in Marte’s development has paid off with a reasonable contract. The Diamondbacks have been busy the last few months negotiating deals with their top players. They recently extended pitcher Brandon Pfaadt to a multi-year deal. Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo was extended during the offseason.

They also haven’t shied away from acquiring quality bats and arms. They traded for Eugenio Suárez two years ago, and added Josh Naylor this past offseason. Suárez is leading MLB with 5 HR this year, and Naylor has a .899 OPS through his first five games with his new club.

Of course, Arizona made one of the biggest splashes of free agency agreeing to a massive six-year, $210 million contract with former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes.

The Dodgers are still the team everybody is chasing — both in the NL West and MLB. But, the Diamondbacks have never backed away from that challenge. Arizona swept LA in the postseason two years ago. With an elite offense and two aces at the top of their rotation, the D’Backs are legitimate title contenders.