Diamondbacks’ latest trade rumor could hand Padres a big NL West boost

What was rumored during the regular season and into the postseason looks as if it is becoming a reality, as Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported in his recent column that the Arizona Diamondbacks will be “motivated” to shop second baseman Ketel Marte this offseason — a development that San Diego Padres officials and the rest of the NL West will be watching closely.

Nightengale released a column on Monday titled 10 biggest MLB hot stove questions, from top free agents to latest trade rumors. 

“The Diamondbacks will ask for a lot in return, but they are definitely motivated in moving him with $71 million remaining through 2030. If they don’t move him by mid-April, Marte will have 10-and-5 rights and a full no-trade provision.”

Ketel Marte hitting trade block would be welcome news for Padres in NL West fight

Reports emerged in August that teammates and coaches were unhappy with Marte’s tendency to miss games without an injury designation and that he could often be a nuisance in the clubhouse.

Teammates of Marte denied that these rumors were true, including shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, who told reporters to stop attacking his teammate, Marte.

These reports, followed by responses from players, left insiders uncertain, as if there were more to the story.

Marte signed a six-year, $116 million contract extension on the eve of the 2025 season, which makes it odd to trade him so soon. However, the Diamondbacks underwent a massive rebuild at the trade deadline, trading away four starters who were at the ends of their contracts.

In all likelihood, they won’t be playoff contenders in 2026, so it wouldn’t be surprising if president of baseball operations Mike Hazen wanted to get further ahead in the rebuild.

If Marte is traded this offseason, the Padres would be thrilled, as they are also set to endure a tumultuous offseason with six big-name players expected to depart.

While he likely won’t be traded to a team in the NL West, we're sure Padres fans would just be glad to see him out of the division.