Report: D-Backs, Rays discussed Marte trade involving Pepiot, Baz
The Ketel Marte trade market heated up during the winter meetings.
The Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays discussed a potential blockbuster deal that would've shipped Marte to the Sunshine State in exchange for right-handers Ryan Pepiot and Shane Baz, sources told Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic.
It's not known what other pieces - if any - were discussed in the reported negotiations.
Arizona also had talks about the three-time All-Star second baseman with an unnamed club, which centered around a higher-profile starting pitcher as the headliner for a larger trade, a source told Piecoro.
D-Backs general manager Mike Hazen said he's still hesitant about trading Marte. However, the executive believes he left the winter meetings with a better idea of which teams are seriously interested in acquiring the 2024 NL MVP finalist.
"I think we moved the ball down the field a little bit in terms of some discussions on things in both free agency and trade," Hazen said.
Arizona needs rotation help with Zac Gallen testing free agency. The club's projected to start next season with Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Bryce Jarvis, and Michael Soroka, who reportedly signed a one-year, $7.5-million pact Monday.
Marte's fit in Tampa Bay isn't ideal with two-time All-Star Brandon Lowe at the keystone position. However, Lowe's name was also floated in trade rumors all week.
The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds are among the other teams that've been linked to Marte.
The 32-year-old hit 28 home runs with 72 RBIs and an .893 OPS in 126 games in 2025. He's owed $92 million over the next five years with a 2031 player option after signing an extension in April.
Pepiot authored a 3.86 ERA with 1.16 WHIP and 167 strikeouts over 167 2/3 innings (31 starts) in 2025. The 28-year-old is projected to make around $3.8 million in 2026 and is arbitration-eligible through 2028. Baz, 26, posted a 4.87 ERA with 9.5 K/9 across 166 1/3 innings (31 starts). He's set to make around $2.8 million next season and is under team control through 2028.