With spring training just a few weeks out, MLB’s offseason is entering its final stretch - but there’s still plenty of intrigue left on the board. A few big-name free agents, including Framber Valdez, Cody Bellinger, and Eugenio Suárez, remain unsigned.
And while the major dominoes have mostly fallen, the trade market is still simmering. Let’s break down some of the key developments from the weekend, including clarity on Ketel Marte’s future in Arizona and growing interest in Brendan Donovan out of St.
Louis.
D-backs Holding Firm on Ketel Marte
Despite persistent questions and a shifting infield market, the Arizona Diamondbacks continue to stand firm: Ketel Marte is not on the trade block.
Executive Mike Hazen reiterated that stance this week, doubling down on a decision he says was made with intention. “We've already engaged in that process,” Hazen told reporters. “I said at the time that I set the deadline for a reason, to avoid this.”
That deadline - and the message behind it - seems designed to shut the door on any Marte speculation. And yet, with players like Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette landing in new homes this offseason, the chatter hasn’t stopped. Hazen, though, doesn’t sound like a GM reconsidering his position.
Marte, 32, is under contract through at least 2030 and has consistently been one of Arizona’s most productive players, both offensively and defensively. But his name surfaced in trade rumors last summer, reportedly causing some friction in the clubhouse. At the time, there was talk that Arizona might pursue Bregman and flip Marte, but with Bregman now a Cub, that path is closed.
So, barring a major surprise, it looks like Marte will be anchoring the middle of the D-backs' infield come Opening Day - and Hazen seems comfortable with that.
Brendan Donovan Drawing Heavy Interest
Meanwhile, in St. Louis, the Cardinals continue to reshape their roster under new baseball operations chief Chaim Bloom. After moving on from Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado, and Willson Contreras, utility man Brendan Donovan could be the next domino to fall.
Donovan, 29, has been one of the more quietly valuable players in the league over the past few seasons. He’s never posted an OPS+ below 114 - a strong indicator of his offensive consistency - and his defensive versatility makes him a fit for just about any roster. He can play all over the diamond, and with another year of team control, he’s more than just a rental.
According to reports, the Mariners, Giants, Red Sox, and Royals are among the teams expressing interest. That’s a diverse group of suitors - some looking to contend immediately, others building for the long haul - which speaks to Donovan’s broad appeal. He’s the kind of player who can slide into a lineup and make an impact without needing to be the centerpiece.
As Opening Day draws closer, expect the Donovan market to heat up. He’s a plug-and-play asset with upside, and teams know those don’t become available often.
The offseason may be winding down, but there’s still movement to come - and with names like Marte and Donovan in the headlines, the next few weeks could bring a few more twists before camps open in Florida and Arizona.