​PHOENIX — With the MLB trade deadline looming, the Arizona Diamondbacks find themselves again at the center of the summer shifting sands of rumors that accompany this frenzied period. A recent update from USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale indicates that one Diamondbacks outfielder has attracted trade interest, while another star is expected to exercise his no-trade rights, effectively throwing a wrench into any potential deals.
One of the marquee questions this offseason was whether Arizona would move All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte. The front office openly entertained offers, sparking speculation that Marte could be traded, but the talks cooled, and he was ultimately taken off the market ahead of spring training. Marte went on to add 10-and-5 rights to his resume, granting him the power to veto any proposed trade. According to Nightengale, Marte is anticipated to exercise that veto, which would render him unavailable despite ongoing interest from other teams.
Keeping Marte on the roster provides the Diamondbacks with a productive power bat in the heart of the lineup as the club strives to stay in the postseason race. While Marte’s stats this season aren’t quite at his typical peak, his timely hitting and knack for getting on base have been crucial in keeping Arizona within reach of a Wild Card berth.
Earlier in the season, Marte celebrated a moment of success after scoring in the first inning during a game at Petco Park, underscoring his ongoing contribution to the lineup. His presence continues to stabilize the infield and offer leadership, even as the team navigates the trade market.
On the other hand, left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has emerged as a potential trade candidate. Nightengale reports that the Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest in Gurriel as they search for a right-handed hitting outfielder to bolster their bench and lineup. Gurriel’s status has become more fluid as the season has progressed, particularly after he opened the year on the injured list while recovering from an ACL injury and a hamstring strain. Through this season, Gurriel is hitting .222 with two home runs, 20 RBIs, and a .565 OPS, numbers that have tempered expectations for some suitors.
Gurriel’s combination of postseason experience, defensive versatility, and a track record as a productive right-handed bat could still pique the interest of teams seeking to fortify their outfield depth. His ability to contribute in multiple spots in the outfield, alongside his veteran presence and playoff-tested background, makes him a potentially appealing asset for clubs looking for a reliable right-handed hitting option as they make their late-season push.
In sum, the Diamondbacks appear to be balancing two potential paths: preserving Marte as a cornerstone piece who can help them contend down the stretch, and evaluating Gurriel as a possible trade chip that could yield a package of prospects or help address other needs. As the deadline approaches, the next chapter in Arizona’s summer shuffle will likely hinge on whether Marte ultimately invokes his no-trade rights and whether Gurriel’s market develops in a way that aligns with the team’s broader goals for the rest of the season. The drama surrounding these decisions adds another layer of intrigue to a franchise that remains very much in the mix for postseason contention.