Diamondbacks skipper shares true feelings about Ketel Marte amid trade rumors and clubhouse drama

Arizona Diamondbacks skipper Torey Lovullo's view of Ketel Marte has never wavered. Lovullo believes that Marte's character and competitiveness are important to the Diamondbacks despite rumors of trade and clubhouse tension.

Lovullo has been the Diamondbacks manager since 2017. Incidentally, Marte also joined the team in the same season. The skipper shared his thoughts about the infielder on Thursday's episode of the "Baseball isn't Boring" podcast.

"Ketel is an amazing young man," Lovullo said (Timestamp: 31:30). "He's family-oriented, he's compassionate, he cares deeply about winning. He's a great player, a great husband, a great father. His kids are always running around the clubhouse. And he's a legitimate superstar in this game."

The skipper then explained that some level of drama is unavoidable over the course of an MLB season. While some get national attention, others stay local. Lovullo acknowledged Marte's decision after his house got robbed was wrong, but pointed out the infielder realized his mistake.

"Then things took a new twist this offseason," Lovullo said. "We traded Paul Goldschmidt. We operate in that kind of market. So, where does it stand right now with Ketel? It's where I said it was from the beginning. He's a great human being."

The Diamondbacks traded Paul Goldschmidt to the St.Louis Cardinals after the 2018 season. Goldschmidt was their star player, having earned multiple All-Star selections, Gold Glove awards and Silver Slugger awards. He was also a perennial MVP contender.

Similarly, Ketel Marte is the current star player of the Diamondbacks. While not terrific on defense, the switch-hitter is arguably the best offensive second baseman in MLB. Marte earned All-MLB first team selections in the last two seasons.

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MLB insider links Ketel Marte to AL East

Ketel Marte signed a six-year, $116.5 million contract extension in April. He had signed a five-year, $75 million contract in 2022. The AAV of the current deal is a bargain, considering Marte's stature as the best second baseman.

Therefore, several teams are ready to trade for Marte. MLB insider Mike Feinsand shared thoughts about Marte's suitors on the recent episode of "Hot Stove."

"I think the Red Sox are the number one team in on him," Feinsand said (Timestamp: 1:51). "They've been looking for answers at second base for years, probably since Dustin Pedroia retired. They thought Kristian Campbell might be the answer. Now, they're not so sure. He's (Marte) reasonable contract."

The insider said that the Diamondbacks will ask for young pitchers in a potential Ketel Marte trade, which the Red Sox have. He also said Boston is not on Marte's no-trade clause.

Edited by Safeer M S