The Arizona Diamondbacks are NOT trading these players
By Jake Oliver
Around this time every year, fans dream up ways to get the best players on their team, well these 3 players for the Arizona Diamondbacks are not leaving the Desert!
Sorry Yankees, Mariners, and all the other team’s fans. The Arizona Diamondbacks might be going through a rough year and selling at the deadline, but, they are not dumb. Mike Hazen is a smart, calculated, and clever GM. He knows that we need to build around our new core of players. Our core is no longer Paul Goldshimdt, AJ Pollock, Zack Greinke, David Peralta, and others. Instead, we have a new young core, one acquired through savvy trades made by Hazen. Check my trade predictions article to see who I think is on the trading block.
Think back…remember those trades: the ones that we all were all asking ourselves “why” when they were made, yet they have worked out. We went from a laughingstock of a Minor League system to being in the top-10 now all through strategic trades, quality drafting, and great signings. The first wave of that new system from Hazen is slowly hitting the Majors right now.
Pavin Smith, Daulton Varsho, and Josh Rojas have showcased their abilities this year giving fans hope for the future. However, there are three players on the Arizona Diamondbacks roster that fans from other teams consistently mention. They all believe the D-backs will trade away Zac Gallen, Ketel Marte, and Carson Kelly. I am here to tell you they WILL Not.
Why Zac Gallen, Ketel Marte, and Carson Kelly will NOT be traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks
Zac Gallen: Gallen is the Ace of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s 25 years old and has shown front-line pitching ability. The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired him from the Miami Marlins in 2019 at the Trade Deadline. The Diamondbacks traded Jazz Chisholm, our #1 prospect at the time. The same Jazz that is lighting up the NL East right now.
Zac is also easily affordable. He’s making “only” $607,000 dollars right now. He’s controllable until 2026 and isn’t even in arbitration until 2023. For a team that doesn’t spend much, the Diamondbacks are not about to sell a Cy-Young caliber pitcher. He set the record for most starts in a row in the MLB without giving up three earned runs or more. He is the real deal and is going to be a Diamondback for a long time.
Ketel Marte: Now this is for all of the MLB world. Ketel is not getting traded! He is a MVP-caliber player who can play all three up-the-middle positions. He is a power hitting switch-hitter. He gets walks, makes good contact, and can play solid defense.
He’s under contract via multiple team options until 2024. The most he would get paid is 12 million dollars unless he signs a contract extension. He will be 30 when he is a free agent but we might sign him again. He would be young enough for a deal. He is this team’s Paul Goldschmidt: the heart, soul, and MVP of the team. He won’t be dealt until it becomes like what happened with Goldy. However, with our current Minor League system blossoming, I doubt Marte will go anywhere. Trust in Mike everyone.
Carson Kelly (Owl): Sorry folks, I know that Varsho is killing it right now. Yet, the Diamondbacks aren’t going to give up on Carson Kelly because he is hurt. He was killing the ball earlier this year. He provided great defense, framing, and leadership of the pitchers. He has the potential to be a top-5 catcher in the MLB if he keeps hitting like he has this year. The Arizona Diamondbacks have been waiting years for this type of catcher.
Plus, he is not eligible for free agency until 2025. Thus, the Arizona Diamondbacks are in absolutely no rush to trade him or even sign him to an extension. Carson is a fan-favorite and was the centerpiece in the Goldschimdt trade. No way the Diamondbacks move him despite the fact that we have Varsho. Who said you can have too many great catchers?
Find out our trade deadline predictions for the Arizona Diamondbacks!. light. Must Read
Arizona Diamondbacks are not making Foolish Trades this year
Trust in Mike Hazen. He has proven he knows what he is doing. Well, besides the bullpen. No one can be perfect at everything though! Just have patience, trust the process, and remember to laugh when someone says the Diamondbacks are trading Gallen, Ketel, or Carson. This is an exciting week and I know I can’t wait for Friday! Have a good week everyone and as always,
May the Force be with You…