👋 Good morning! Happy Tuesday everyone. Hopefully you’re fully healed from the Cardinals’ ugly effort in Seattle, because the latest D-backs rumor isn’t exactly the most positive of news.
The bad news arrived in excess yesterday, but that’s what we signed up for, I guess.The bad news arrived in excess yesterday, but that’s what we signed up for, I guess. At least Grayson Allen has our backs — wow, that was something else.
Let’s get to all the latest!
— Alex D’Agostino, PHNX Sports Daily Editor
Diamondbacks “Motivated” to Trade Ketel Marte
The D-backs wouldn’t actually consider trading three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Ketel Marte, would they?
Well, according to a report from USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale, Arizona isn’t just considering it, they’re “motivated” to do so — for a hefty haul, of course.
Nightengale is a respected, well-sourced insider. His reports are not mere speculation in search of views or clicks.
Nightengale’s report said Arizona is “definitely motivated in moving [Marte],” though they “will ask for a lot in return.”
Marte has certainly been a name that’s been thrown around in trade talks ever since the infamous mid-season report surfaced about the Diamondbacks being frustrated with Marte taking days off.
Don’t get too upset, I’m not trying to dig that story back up. But the D-backs have a lot of needs, and little payroll. It would make sense for them to explore a Marte trade, even if it would be understandably devastating to the fanbase.
It’s also worth noting there are numerous reports swirling about how intent Arizona is with regard to a Marte deal.
Last week, MLB’s Steve Gilbert reported the D-backs have “no intention” of trading Marte (or any of their core offensive players). AZCentral’s Nick Piecoro called a potential trade “unlikely.”
And Arizona Sports insider John Gambadoro followed Nightengale’s report by insisting Arizona isn’t actively shopping Marte, but would listen to offers.
So which report is the most accurate? Well, that’s not really my place to say. Each and every one of these reporters is credible, reliable, connected with the D-backs and well-sourced in their own rights.
The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.
My Take
Marte is a special player and an exceptional talent. There is no denying that the D-backs’ offense would get worse if he departed.
The switch-hitting All-Star hit .283/.376/.517 with 28 homers for Arizona this past season. And that was somehow a regression from his 2024 eliteness. He rightfully earned his second-straight All-Star berth and Silver Slugger award for it.
But he also dealt with some injuries and some off-field hardships.
Do I want to see Marte leave via trade? Absolutely not. I’d hate to watch an all-time great D-backs player leave just as much as the next person.
BUT
The fact is, Arizona needs starting pitching, relief pitching, a first baseman and other things. They also won’t have as much payroll to work with in 2026.
If Marte can bring back a top-level starting pitcher with years of control, it’s much easier for the D-backs to recreate offensive production via platoon or multiple small offensive additions than to find a reliable, ace-level starting pitcher (think Hunter Greene or similar).
In that sense, a deal could benefit the D-backs. I’m not saying they should, or that it wouldn’t be a considerable risk to let a player of his caliber depart, but there is a world in which Arizona might see better on-field outcomes as a result of that deal.
For the record, I don’t personally think any of the mid-season narratives about frustration with Marte are the driving factors in this new report. I don’t believe Marte is a toxic presence, and I do not think his relationship with the D-backs’ front office is in a state of disarray — that’s just my opinion.
But the D-backs aren’t going to let an opportunity to take a big swing at a massive area of need slip away if Marte would be the trade chip capable of getting a deal done. They have a responsibility to at least explore the potential, before Marte’s no-trade clause takes effect in mid-April.
But that absolutely doesn’t mean a deal is imminent. Nor that it wouldn’t hurt to see the D-backs former 2023 NLCS MVP wearing a different uniform.
Quick Hits
Status Quo: No changes will be coming to Jonathan Gannon’s staff after the ugly beatdown in Seattle.
The injury news, however, keeps piling on. Gannon told reporters WR Zay Jones will be out for the year with a torn achilles suffered in Sunday’s game while backup WR option Simi Fehoko will miss time with an arm injury. Rookie DL Walter Nolen III’s status (knee injury) is uncertain.
Going Gray(son): The Suns took a dominant 121-98 win over the struggling Pelicans, but the final score was an afterthought, as Grayson Allen landed a franchise record 10 three-pointers and a season-high 42 points on 12-17 shooting. Yes, 10 threes, you read that right.
Jalen Green, meanwhile, will undergo further testing on his hamstring to determine his eventual timeline.
Moving Up: Wildcat basketball moved to No. 5 in the nation this week after their win over Utah Tech. Freshman Koa Peat took home some awards, too, winning the Big 12 Co-Player and Newcomer of the week awards. The NCAA named him Player and Freshman of the Week, as well.
Arizona will take on Northern Arizona at McKale center tonight at 7:00 p.m.
More Attrition: Arizona State Coach Kenny Dillingham announced safety Xavion Alford (who had been absent with an injury since week two) will officially miss the remainder of the 2025 season. WR Jordyn Tyson is unlikely to play until November 22. It’s been a brutal, injury-racked season for the Sun Devils.
Tip of the Cap by Branded Bills
I mean, wow…
