Ketel Marte: The Diamondbacks’ Switch-Hitting Engine and Postseason Legend

Ketel Marte isn’t just a second baseman; he’s the heartbeat of the Arizona Diamondbacks, a Dominican dynamo whose blend of clutch hitting, defensive versatility, and postseason heroics has etched his name into franchise lore. Born Ketel Ricardo Marte Valdez on October 12, 1993, Marte’s journey from international signee to All-Star starter and NLCS MVP is a testament to resilience and elite performance.

Forging a Path: From Seattle to Arizona Stardom
Signed by the Seattle Mariners as an international free agent in 2010, Marte honed his craft through the minor leagues, showcasing his skills with teams like the Dominican Summer League Mariners, Everett AquaSox, Clinton LumberKings, High Desert Mavericks, Jackson Generals, and Tacoma Rainiers. His consistent hitting (.304 in AAA in 2014) earned him a spot on the Mariners’ 40-man roster.

Marte made his MLB debut in 2015, showing flashes of brilliance that led Seattle to trade Brad Miller. However, a challenging 2016 season (.259 average, three disabled list stints) saw his stock dip. The turning point came on November 23, 2016, when the Mariners traded Marte and Taijuan Walker to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Jean Segura, Mitch Haniger, and Zac Curtis.

Becoming a Cornerstone in the Desert
After starting 2017 with the Reno Aces (AAA, Pacific Coast League), Marte quickly became a fixture in Arizona. A pivotal moment arrived early: his two triples in the 2017 National League Wild Card Game victory over the Colorado Rockies announced his playoff mettle. The Diamondbacks strategically moved him from shortstop to second base in 2018 to accommodate Nick Ahmed, a shift that unlocked Marte’s full potential. He promptly led all of MLB with 12 triples that year.

Breakout, Accolades, and the 2023 Postseason Run

Ketel Marte: A Profile of Excellence

• 2019 All-Star: Marte exploded offensively, batting .316 with 20 home runs and 51 RBIs, earning his first selection as the starting second baseman for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

• The Big Contract: Recognizing his value, Arizona secured their star with a five-year, $76 million contract extension in March 2022.

• 2023 Postseason Legend: Marte authored one of the most remarkable playoff performances in recent memory during the Diamondbacks’ run to the 2023 World Series:

  • NLCS MVP: He batted an astounding .387 in the National League Championship Series against the Phillies. His walk-off single in Game 3 was iconic, and he set a new MLB record with a 20-game postseason hitting streak, surpassing legends like Manny Ramirez, Derek Jeter, and Hank Bauer (17 games). This streak started his postseason career and included extending it to 18 games in the World Series.

  • World Series Heartbreak: Though the D-backs fell to the Texas Rangers, Marte’s performance cemented his status as a big-game player, even as he recorded the final out against Josh Sborz.

Dominance Continues: 2024 and Beyond

• 2024 All-Star Starter: Marte proved 2023 was no fluke, batting .292 with a career-high 36 home runs and 95 RBIs, earning his second nod as the starting second baseman in the All-Star Game. Despite a brief stint on the 10-day injured list with a left ankle sprain, his power surge was undeniable.

• Silver Slugger: His offensive explosion was rewarded with his first career Silver Slugger award after the 2024 season.

• Long-Term Commitment & Franchise Legacy: Demonstrating immense faith, the Diamondbacks signed Marte to a massive six-year, $116.5 million contract extension on April 2, 2025. Though another hamstring strain landed him briefly on the IL in early April 2025, he returned strong. On June 2, 2025, against the Atlanta Braves, his two-run homer gave him 481 career RBIs, surpassing Steve Finley (479) for third place on the Arizona Diamondbacks’ all-time RBI list, trailing only Luis Gonzalez (774) and Paul Goldschmidt (710).

Beyond the Field: Family and Heritage
Marte carries a rich baseball lineage. He is the nephew of former MLB infielder Wilson Valdez. Further connecting him to baseball royalty, he is married to the cousin of Toronto Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr..

Ketel Marte’s Legacy
From his early days in the Dominican Summer League to setting postseason records and climbing the Diamondbacks’ all-time RBI list, Ketel Marte embodies the rise of a franchise cornerstone. His switch-hitting prowess, defensive reliability, and unmatched ability to deliver in the clutch – evidenced by his NLCS MVP and historic 20-game postseason hit streak – make him one of the most exciting and impactful players in baseball today. Signed through his prime with Arizona, Marte’s journey as a Diamondbacks legend is still being written, one clutch hit at a time.