Although Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said in late December that he never thought a trade was particularly likely, Marte remained a possibility for teams seeking backfield help this offseason. This option is no longer relevant.
Here’s a look at the potential implications of Marte staying with the D-backs.
What this means for the D-backs
Marte could stay in Phoenix for the long haul. The second baseman, who signed a $116.5 million extension with the D-backs last April through 2031, will gain full non-trade rights in April as a 10-and-5 player, limiting Arizona’s ability to move him in the future if circumstances change.
Arizona fielded offers for Marte primarily because he entered the offseason with limited payroll space while having to address a pitching staff ravaged by injuries and departures. Although the team signed Michael Soroka and brought back Merrill Kelly, they still find themselves short on pitchers.
That said, there may still be room in the budget for another major addition. Most likely, it would come on the pitching side, but The Athletic and MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that the team hasn’t closed the book on the potential signing of free agent Alex Bregman.
What this means for the best free agent infielders
The D-backs have emerged as suitors for Bregman amid their talks of a Marte trade. In fact, until recently, Arizona appeared to be one of the biggest threats to a Bregman reunion with the Red Sox, along with Toronto, according to a report from Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Boston is also talking to free agent Bo Bichette and exploring other trade options (including the Astros’ Isaac Paredes), although signing Bregman is considered their priority.
What this means for other teams chasing Marte
The Tigers always seemed like a long shot for Marte, considering second baseman Gleyber Torres signed for $22.025 million this season after accepting Detroit’s qualifying offer. The Tigers remain a potential landing spot for Bregman, although Feinsand reports they have shown no indication they would be willing to make the type of offer they made last year (six years, $171.5 million).
What this means for other career candidates
From a business standpoint, the biggest beneficiaries of the D-backs’ decision to take Marte off the market could be the Cardinals, with Donovan — St. Louis’ most valuable trade chip — perhaps generating even more interest.
Other second basemen are also circulating in the rumor mill, including the Cubs’ Nico Hoerner and the Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr., both pending free agents. But neither Hoerner nor Chisholm will likely be dealt unless their teams first make another significant addition to the field.
