PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks are aiming to resolve the trade status of All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte “shortly,” according to General Manager Mike Hazen, signaling a potential end to ongoing discussions.
“We’re very likely to put an end to this shortly,” Hazen said on Tuesday.
While the exact timeline remains unclear, Hazen emphasized the need to shift focus toward other offseason priorities.
“I haven’t figured that out yet,” Hazen admitted, “But this isn’t going to continue to linger. We need to focus our offseason. Again, my gut this whole time was that [a trade of Marte] wasn’t going to happen, and I think it seems likely that that’s the case and we want to focus on other things we need to do.”
D-backs Prioritize Pitching, Offensive Needs
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Arizona is balancing potential trades with bolstering its roster through free agency and addressing key positional gaps.
- The Diamondbacks are actively engaged in trade talks involving Ketel Marte, but a deal isn’t guaranteed.
- Arizona is prioritizing improvements to its pitching staff, particularly the bullpen.
- The team also seeks to add a right-handed hitting first base/designated hitter to its offensive lineup.
- Hazen indicated a decision regarding Marte will be made soon to allow the team to focus on other roster needs.
Hazen’s comments echoed sentiments expressed at the Winter Meetings earlier this month, where he suggested the New Year as a rough timeframe for a resolution regarding Marte’s future with the team.
Although no firm deadline has been set, Hazen communicated to interested teams that time is running short for potential offers.
Hazen acknowledged some progress in trade discussions, but stated that offers received have fallen “anywhere near” what Arizona deems an acceptable return for an All-Star caliber player like Marte.
Pitching Remains a Top Priority
The Diamondbacks have already begun addressing their pitching needs this offseason, signing right-hander Michael Soroka to a one-year, $7.5 million contract on the first day of the Winter Meetings. The deal includes performance bonuses that could increase the maximum value to $9.5 million.
However, the work isn’t finished. Arizona is still looking to strengthen its bullpen, which will be without co-closers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez for at least the initial months of the season as both recover from their second Tommy John surgeries.
Hazen indicated the team is exploring options in both the free-agent and trade markets to bolster the bullpen, and remains open to adding another starting pitcher if the opportunity arises.
Offensive Adjustments on the Horizon
Beyond pitching, the Diamondbacks are also seeking to enhance their offense, specifically by adding a right-handed hitting first base/designated hitter. Resolving the Marte situation is crucial to clarifying the team’s direction in pursuing this offensive upgrade.
“We’re going to need to start focusing on our position-player group at some point a little more specifically,” Hazen said. “That’s the other reason to finalize what we’re doing with other players, so we have a little more direction on what we can do and what it might look like.”
