The San Francisco Giants are making moves this offseason, and one name that keeps surfacing is Ketel Marte. The three-time All-Star second baseman has become a hot commodity on the trade market, and the Giants are reportedly deep in talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks to bring him to the Bay Area.
Let’s break down why this makes sense for San Francisco - and why Arizona might be ready to move on from one of their most talented players.
Why the Giants Want Marte
The Giants’ interest in Marte isn’t exactly a mystery. Second base has been a weak spot in their lineup, both in terms of offensive production and long-term stability. They’ve been exploring all avenues - free agency and trade - to upgrade the position, and Marte checks a lot of boxes.
He’s a switch-hitter with pop, plate discipline, and positional versatility. Despite missing some time in 2025 with a hamstring issue, Marte still put together a standout season.
He slashed .283/.376/.517 with 28 home runs, 72 RBIs, and a 145 OPS+ across 126 games - numbers that would instantly boost the Giants' lineup. That kind of production from a middle infielder is rare, and it’s exactly what San Francisco needs to jumpstart an offense that’s lacked consistency.
What Arizona Wants in Return
Now, why would the Diamondbacks even consider parting ways with a player like Marte - especially after signing him to a six-year, $116.5 million extension just this past season?
The answer lies in their pitching situation. Arizona lost both Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly to free agency, leaving a major void at the top of their rotation.
According to reports, the D-backs are actively looking to shed payroll and retool their roster with young, controllable arms. Marte, while still an elite talent, is also one of their most valuable trade chips.
That’s where the Giants come in. San Francisco has the kind of prospect depth that could entice Arizona - especially if the D-backs are prioritizing pitching. If a deal gets done, expect a significant return heading back to the desert.
Other Teams in the Mix
Of course, the Giants aren’t the only team eyeing Marte. The Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and Detroit Tigers have all reportedly checked in, and they each have what Arizona is looking for: young starters under team control. That trio could offer some stiff competition, especially if Arizona is focused solely on addressing their rotation needs.
Still, the Giants have shown a willingness to be aggressive when they see the right fit. With Marte under contract through 2031 at a manageable $92 million, he’s not just a short-term rental - he’s a potential cornerstone.
Marte’s Value: Still Climbing
At 32, Marte is playing some of the best baseball of his career. Over the past three seasons, he’s posted a .283/.368/.519 slash line with 89 home runs, 249 RBIs, and a 141 OPS+. Add in a 16.0 bWAR during that stretch, and you’re looking at one of the most productive second basemen in the game.
He brings more than just numbers, too. Marte’s ability to hit from both sides of the plate, his experience, and his leadership in the clubhouse make him an ideal target for a team looking to compete now and build for the future.
Final Thoughts
If the Giants can land Marte, it would be a major statement about their intentions for 2026 and beyond. They’d be adding an impact bat at a position of need, and they’d be doing it without diving into the deep end of free agency.
For Arizona, it’s about timing. They’re looking to pivot, and moving Marte could be the key to reshaping their pitching staff. It’s a tough decision, but one that could pay off if they get the right pieces in return.
This is one to keep a close eye on. The talks are heating up - and if a deal gets done, it could reshape the NL West landscape in a big way.