NEW YORK — The Arizona Diamondbacks and second baseman Ketel Marte have agreed on yet another contract extension, this one running through 2031 and guaranteeing him another $64 million in new money.
Marte receives a six-year, $116.5 million deal that could be worth as much as $149.5 million if he reaches certain escalators. Heading into the season, Marte was the second-highest paid second basemen ($19.6 million) behind Marcus Semien of the Rangers ($26 million).
Marte had been playing under the five-year, $76 million deal he signed prior to the 2022 season. That deal ran through 2027 and included a club option for 2028. This new contract essentially picks up the option year and tacks on three additional years.
Marte, 31, is coming off a monster season in which he finished third in National League Most Valuable Player voting. He hit .292 with 36 homers and 96 RBIs and played solid defense at second base.
This deal locks Marte in through his age-37 season. The final year of the deal is a player option for 2031.
A source said part of the allure of the deal for the Diamondbacks was the fact that Marte is deferring $46 million and was willing to restructure the deal, including taking less money this year than he had been guaranteed.
This is the third contract extension the Diamondbacks have given Marte. He also signed a five-year, $24 million deal prior to the 2018 season.
Under his new deal, Marte can earn an additional $3 million every time he ranks in the top three of MVP voting or $2 million for each finish between fourth and seventh in the voting. In those instances, his base salary for the following year would be bumped up accordingly.
Marte can also secure an additional $2.5 million each year from 2026-31 based on reaching certain plate appearances thresholds.
The deal calls for Marte to make $14 million this year, $15 million in 2026, $12 million in 2027, $20 million in 2028, and $22 million in both 2029 and 2030. He has an $11.5 million player option for 2031.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks, Ketel Marte agree on six-year, $116.5 million extension
