Reds fans just uncovered a detail that reshapes the Ketel Marte trade outlook

Whispers of a Ketel Marte trade have grown legs in recent days, and the Cincinnati Reds seem like a possible fit. The Reds are need of a big-time bat, and the three-time All-Star would definitely bolster Cincinnati's lineup heading into the 2026 season. Marte posted an .893 OPS last season with 28 home runs.

But the Arizona Diamondbacks infielder has a limited no-trade clause and can void a deal that might send him to an undesirable destination. Fortunately for the Reds, they're not among the organizations listed.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) Marte has reportedly singled out the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Athletics as the five teams he refuses to be traded to. In order for the D-backs to deal Marte to one of those organizations, he'd have to waive his no-trade rights.

If Arizona allows these trade rumors to persist into the regular season, Marte will acquire 10-5 rights after the first two weeks of the 2026 season, and thereby possess the ability to void any trade. Those rights kick in after a player has 10 years of Major League service time and has played the last five consecutive seasons with one organization.

Reds Rumors: Ketel Marte did not list Cincy among his no-trade destinations

The Reds and D-backs seem like natural trade partners. Cincinnati is looking for a bat and Arizona is seeking young starting pitching. Rosenthal mentioned in his reporting that the D-backs two-year, $40 million deal for Merrill Kelly doesn't affect their desire to secure pitching depth if they indeed decide to trade Marte this winter.

Marte comes with some baggage, but given Cincinnati's lack of pop and a future Hall of Fame manager who's seen his fair share of drama over the years, those off-the-field concerns might not be enough to dissuade the Reds from making a trade if the two sides match up.

Obviously the D-backs have set a high price for Marte' services, and at 32 years old, he's no spring chicken. But with the Reds' window for contention likely to center around the next three to four seasons with their superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz and an elite starting rotation, now could be the time to strike up such a deal.