MLB Insider Refutes Trade Rumors Involving All-Star Arizona Diamondbacks Infielder

Francys Romero reported that the rumors involving Diamondbacks second baseman infielder Ketel Marte are false.

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte runs after hitting a three-run home run against the Texas Rangers on Aug. 13 at Globe Life Field. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The Arizona Diamondbacks were one of the biggest sellers in baseball during the 2025 trade deadline.

The Diamondbacks traded away first baseman Josh Naylor and third baseman Eugenio Suarez to the Seattle Mariners and moved starting pitcher Merrill Kelly to the Texas Rangers. And recent reports indicated Arizona could continue to move core players this offseason.

A recent report from USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale said the Diamondbacks would be willing to listen to trade offers for the 2023 National League Championship Series MVP this offseason. Nightengale also said in his report that the Arizona staff knows Marte "can be a diva in the clubhouse."

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte runs after a home run against the Texas Rangers on Aug. 12 at Globe Life Field. | Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

Another MLB insider, Francys Romero, published his own reports to "X" on Sunday refuting the rumors. Romero said in his report that Arizona isn't planning to listen to trade offers at this time. Marte's agent, Charisse Dash, also denied the rumors of Marte being a bad teammate.

"They should move forward and cease spreading these false rumors," Dash said.

“They should move forward and cease spreading false rumors,” said Dash from The Movement Baseball agency.

— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) August 18, 2025

Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo also spoke to the media in defense of Marte after the team's 6-5 loss against the Colorado Rockies.

"I'm tired of this," Perdomo said. "This is gonna be for all reporters and all the writers, this is the second time something came out (about) Marte. Please, he just wants to play baseball. I don't want to speak as a team, I want to speak as a brother. He just wants to play baseball. Just leave the guy alone."

Diamondbacks SS Geraldo Perdomo delivered an emotionally charged message intended for media members in defense of teammate Ketel Marte after today’s game, a 6-5 loss at Colorado. Warning: use of foul language. pic.twitter.com/aecIZXKPJf

— José M. Romero (@RomeroJoseM) August 17, 2025

Marte is in the middle of a six-year, $116.5 million contract that extends through 2030 with an $11.5 million player opion for 2031.

Marte has scored 69 runs in 92 games this season and has hit 20 doubles and 23 home runs with 56 RBIs. He's slashed .297/.397/.555 with a .952 OPS.

Ketel Marte's last 162 games.....

.300-BA/47-HR/116-RBI/.984-OPS

He also 11-OAA since last year. We are witnessing one of the greatest 2B talents in the history of baseballpic.twitter.com/GvDL1cizrW

— Fuzzy (@fuzzyfromyt) August 14, 2025

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