Diamondbacks Keep Ketel Marte Despite 21 Homers as $116.5 Million Deal Limits Options
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 27
Diamondbacks Keep Ketel Marte Despite 21 Homers as $116.5 Million Deal Limits Options
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 27
Summary
Arizona is preparing to welcome Marte back as soon as Monday despite his Aug. 17 no-show in Boston and a later casino outing during knee rehab.
Mike Hazen said the club accepts that tradeoff because Marte remains one of baseball’s best second basemen, producing elite value on a seven-year, $116.5 million extension with $46 million deferred.
Marte, 32, is tied for the team lead with 21 homers and leads Arizona with 67 RBIs, even in a down offensive year and after missing 16 games.
The Diamondbacks did briefly put him on the restricted list without pay, and teammates and manager Torey Lovullo voiced frustration, with some players saying they are exhausted by the recurring drama.
Arizona also had little leverage to move him: offseason trade talks fell short of its valuation, and Marte now has full no-trade protection while the club chases the final NL wild-card spot.