Diamondbacks, Ketel Marte reach 6-year extension, agent says

Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte has secured a six-year, $116.5 million contract extension that begins this season, his agent Charisse Dash confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday. The deal, running through 2030, includes a player option for 2031 worth $11.5 million and could reach up to $149.5 million with incentives. It replaces the five-year, $76 million contract he signed in 2022.  

"I just want to be here forever," said Marte, 31, a key figure for Arizona. Last season, he finished third in MVP voting with a .932 OPS in 136 games, batting .292 while setting career highs in home runs (36) and RBIs (95). Over his 11-year MLB career, he has posted a .280 batting average, .348 on-base percentage, 143 home runs, and 515 RBIs. He has spent the past eight seasons with the Diamondbacks after starting with Seattle and has established himself as a second baseman in recent years.  

Marte's extension is part of a broader commitment by the Diamondbacks to retain their core players. The team recently signed pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (five years, $45 million), shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (four years, $45 million), and reliever Justin Martinez (five years, $18 million), while also adding free agent ace Corbin Burnes on a six-year, $210 million deal.  

Manager Torey Lovullo emphasized the importance of continuity, stating, "It makes a statement that we believe in this core group. There’s a special bond between everyone on this team, and it means we’re going to be together for a long time."  

Arizona, which reached the World Series in 2023 but missed the playoffs last season due to a tiebreaker, has set a franchise record for payroll this year—now even higher with Marte’s extension.