The Arizona Diamondbacks are fielding offers for All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte, with rival executives describing the asking price as a \"superstar-type return,\" according to league sources.
The Boston Red Sox are among multiple teams interested in acquiring Marte, who is owed $102.5 million over six seasons. Three additional clubs are also pursuing the 32-year-old switch-hitter, sources briefed on the discussions said.
Arizona previously spent weeks negotiating before trading Daulton Varsho to Toronto on Dec. 23, 2022. The Diamondbacks began discussing Marte at the winter meetings in early December, suggesting a similar extended timeline.
Marte will gain full no-trade protection after the tenth day of the 2026 season under 10-and-5 rights. Arizona is seeking young pitching as they await returns from Corbin Burnes, A.J. Puk, and Justin Martinez from Tommy John surgeries.
Some Diamondbacks players had issues with Marte last season, as initially reported by the Arizona Republic. Marte missed three games after the All-Star break while in the Dominican Republic following a burglary at his Scottsdale home.
He later apologized, saying the incident left him \"frustrated\" and \"in a bad spot.\" Manager Torey Lovullo and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo publicly defended him, though Marte drew criticism for taking too many games off. He has appeared in more than 140 games only once in the past five seasons.
Boston remains focused on free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman as their top target. The Red Sox are also evaluating Pete Alonso, Bo Bichette, and Astros infielder Isaac Paredes in addition to Marte.
The Diamondbacks agreed Monday with Mike Soroka on a one-year, $7.5 million contract. Arizona considers Marte\'s contract reasonable, with $41 million deferred over 10 years after being earned.