MLB’s hot stove season is finally here, and the rumors are swirling from all angles. Aside from the large free agent class in baseball this season, there are also a considerable number of players who have garnered trade speculation.
One of those players is Arizona Diamondbacks‘ second baseman, Ketel Marte, after Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Snakes are “motivated” to move on from the three-time All-Star. Could the Detroit Tigers be a good fit for Marte?
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Could the Detroit Tigers be in Play for Ketel Marte?
If the Diamondbacks are looking to save money heading into the 2026 season, then trading Ketel Marte would be the smart thing to do. He signed a six-year, $105 million extension with the Diamondbacks, which runs through the 2030 season.
Considering the Diamondbacks have hopes of competing next season with a strong core of Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, and Corbin Burnes returning, this isn’t a rebuild-type trade idea.
So, could the Detroit Tigers be in play for Ketel Marte?
They should be, and here’s why:
Detroit needs a more prolific middle-infielder. And they have the capital to give up in a deal for Marte. A good package could include 2025 All-Star Zach McKinstry, reliever Brenan Hanifee, and a top prospect like Thayron Liranzo.
While it might seem like a steep asking price for Detroit to give up, Marte is well worth it. In 126 games this season, he hit 28 home runs, drove in 72 runs, and posted an OPS+ of 145.
GettyAJ Hinch watching from the dugout during a game against the White Sox.
2025 was a year removed from his amazing 2024 season, where Marte finished top-3 in NL MVP voting after hitting 36 home runs and posting a bWAR of 6.8. There is no understating the value of the switch-hitting Marte.
As for the potential trade package, McKinstry has already shown his versatility in the infield, Hanifee just posted a 3.00 ERA for the Tigers in 60 innings, and Liranzo is a prospect with lots of upside.
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Ketel Marte and the Diamondbacks May Be Growing Frustrated with One Another
There were slight trade rumors back in July about Ketel Marte being moved, and they stemmed from a report that those in the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse had been growing frustrated with Marte because of his tendency to miss games.
Marte has a vast injury history, but so does about every other MLB player who has 11+ years of service time.
The frustration among teammates started at the end of 2024, when Marte asked for a day off during the final week of the season.
Tensions seemed to boil down a bit for the 2025 season until around August.
Marte did issue an apology to his teammates and the organization, but that might be the basis for Bob Nightengale’s report that the Arizona Diamondbacks are motivated to move him this offseason.
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