Reds were connected to Ketel Marte but latest D-backs drama reveals why they passed

The MLB offseason is always loaded with whispers and rumors, and one of the most prominent ones this past winter involved the Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte.

Most Reds fans will probably remember various outlets (and online fan accounts) continuously peppering their timeline with the idea of Cincinnati trading for Arizona's All-Star infielder. The Reds' lineup was in dire need of some pop, and the fanbase had just watched Matt McLain's failed attempt to return to relevance.

Ultimately, those rumors faded into the background and the D-backs re-established their relationship with their star second baseman. The Reds opted to add players like JJ Bleday, Eugenio Suárez, and Nathaniel Lowe in order to bolster their lineup rather than fork over a number of prospects.

But more than just the prospect capital necessary to acquired Marte — plus the long-term commitment to his recently signed contract extension — was the lingering clubhouse issues that seemed to follow the D-backs infielder last season.

Reds fans should be thankful Cincy didn't trade for Ketel Marte

Marte took an extended leave of absence from the Diamondbacks after last year's All-Star break. Arizona was a playoff contenting team at that time, and a number of Marte's teammates reportedly took issue with him taking some extra days off after the Midsummer Classic.

Based on recent reporting from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, it would seem that Marte's up to his old tricks, and is once again a cause of consternation among his teammates and the front office. According to Nightengale, Marte continues to frustrate segments of the organization by opting to take days off.

It appears that this is just who Marte is. While extremely talented, this latest round of nonsense seems to indicate that he's a rather selfish player. The commotion has gotten loud enough that D-backs manager Torrey Louvullo recently addressed the media in regards to the situation.

Louvullo attempted to tamp down the outside noise, but in effect, may have made things worse. While he supported Marte, the D-backs' skipper acknowledged that the narrative surrounding Marte has reached the clubhouse, and his plea to the media was an attempt to end the controversy altogether.

At the end of the day, the truth surrounding the situation itself is somewhat irrelevant. It's obviously become a distraction for the D-backs clubhouse, and Reds fans should be thankful that he didn't bring that drama to Cincinnati.

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