NEW YORK — Second baseman Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks reached an agreement Wednesday on a six-year, $116.5 million contract, making him one of the first players to secure a lower salary for 2027 in anticipation of a potential work stoppage.
The two-time All-Star’s deal includes performance-based escalators for MVP honors and plate appearances, which could increase its total value to $149.5 million, according to his agent, Charisse Dash. Arizona has yet to officially announce the contract.
In March 2022, Marte signed a five-year, $76 million contract that began in 2023, with $49 million in guaranteed money remaining. His previous deal included salaries of $16 million for both 2025 and 2026, $14 million in 2027, and a $13 million team option for 2028 with a $3 million buyout.
Under his new agreement, Marte will earn $14 million in 2025, $15 million in 2026, and $12 million in 2027. His salary then increases to $20 million in 2028 and $22 million in both 2029 and 2030. Additionally, he holds an $11.5 million player option for 2031.
Marte’s salary has the potential to increase by up to $5.5 million per season based on performance incentives. He could earn an additional $3 million depending on MVP voting results—$3 million for a top-three finish and $2 million for placing between fourth and seventh.
His earnings would also rise based on plate appearances, with bonuses of $500,000 for reaching 500 and 550 plate appearances, and $750,000 each for reaching 600 and 625.
Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement is set to expire in December 2026, raising the possibility of a lockout that could impact the 2027 season.
Marte, 31, finished third in NL MVP voting last season and fourth in 2019. He batted .292 in 2023 while setting career highs with 36 home runs and 95 RBIs.
Over 11 big league seasons with Seattle (2015-16) and Arizona, Marte has compiled a .282 career batting average with 143 home runs and 515 RBIs.
He was named MVP of the 2023 NL Championship Series after hitting .387 against the Phillies.
Arizona has been active in the offseason, making significant financial commitments after missing the playoffs last year. The team signed free-agent pitcher Corbin Burnes to a six-year, $210 million contract and secured long-term deals with several key players.
Right-hander Brandon Pfaadt agreed to a five-year, $45 million extension beginning in 2026, while shortstop Geraldo Perdomo signed a four-year, $45 million deal starting the same year. Additionally, right-hander Justin Martinez reached a five-year, $18 million agreement.
