It appears Ketel Marte's time with the Arizona Diamondbacks could finally be coming to an end.
Mike Hazen spent time during this week's GM meetings discussing numerous trade ideas with clubs for the disgruntled star second baseman, sources told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
The Diamondbacks are reportedly open to any type of return for Marte, with packages potentially involving MLB players or prospects. It's believed the club wishes to land some pitching in any return.
Marte has spent the last 10 seasons in Arizona, earning three All-Star appearances, two Silver Sluggers, and two top-five MVP finishes. He remains one of the best offensive second baseman in the majors, but numerous off-field issues has led to the Diamondbacks wanting to move on.
During a series against the Boston Red Sox in August, Marte didn't show up to the field before a game and didn't contact the team to explain his absence. He was placed on the restricted list and eventually the injured list. It was the second time in two years Marte had departed the team during the season, causing some tension in the clubhouse.
D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo said in October that he no longer planned to protect Marte if similar issues were to occur in the future.
Despite his off-field transgressions, Marte remains a valuable player on the field and is signed to a very reasonable contract. He's owed at least $76 million over the next four seasons, with an $11.5-million player option for 2031.
Marte owns a full no-trade clause and will need to approve any move, which could complicate a deal.
The 33-year-old appeared in 141 games last season, hitting .249/.316/.432 with 22 home runs, 31 doubles and 2.5 fWAR, while ranking in the 88th percentile in outs above average. He leads all MLB second basemen in fWAR over the last three seasons.
The Toronto Blue Jays, Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres are among a number of clubs that head into the winter needing help at second base.
