Ketel Marte Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

About (Profile/Biography):
Ketel Ricardo Marte Valdez, born October 12, 1993, is a Dominican professional baseball second baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Known for his versatility and clutch performances, he has established himself as one of MLB's premier infielders. Marte made his MLB debut with the Mariners in 2015 and was traded to the Diamondbacks during the 2016-17 offseason. His journey from the Dominican Republic to Major League stardom showcases remarkable determination and skill. In 2025, he signed a six-year, $116.5 million contract extension with Arizona, cementing his place as a franchise cornerstone.
Early Life and Background of Ketel Marte
• Marte was born in Nizao, Dominican Republic, where he developed his passion for baseball at a young age.
• He signed with the Seattle Mariners as an international free agent on August 13, 2010, when he was just 16 years old.
• The young prospect worked tirelessly in the minor leagues, showing exceptional dedication to improving his skills across multiple positions.
Professional Career Highlights of Ketel Marte
• Ketel made his MLB debut with Seattle in 2015, quickly establishing himself as a reliable utility player.
• He was traded to Arizona during the 2016-17 offseason, where he truly flourished and became a cornerstone player.
• In 2025, Marte is batting .320 with 62 hits, 15 home runs, 32 RBIs and 46 runs scored in 53 games.
Awards and Recognition received by Ketel Marte
• Marte has been named the starting second baseman for both the 2019 and 2024 All-Star Games.
• In 2023, he won NLCS MVP en route to Arizona's first pennant since 2001.
• He currently owns a 1.032 OPS in 2025, which would rank third in all of baseball among qualified hitters.
Personal Tragedy and Resilience of Ketel Marte
• Marte's mother, Elpidia Valdez, tragically died in a car accident in the Dominican Republic in 2017.
• Recently, a fan inappropriately taunted him about his deceased mother during a game, bringing him to tears on the field.
• Despite personal hardships, Ketel has remained dedicated to his craft and continues to honor his mother's memory through his performances.
Lesser-Known Facts about Ketel Marte
• Marte originally played shortstop and center field before finding his permanent home at second base with the Diamondbacks.
• He is known for his exceptional defensive versatility, having played six different positions throughout his career.
• His 2025 advanced metrics show an impressive 45.9% hard hit rate and 15.7% barrel percentage.
Recent Contract and Future for Ketel Marte
• Ketel signed a massive six-year, $116.5 million contract extension with Arizona in April 2025.
• The contract includes an $11.5 million player option for 2032, showing the team's long-term commitment to him.
• He continues to be one of the most consistent and reliable players in Major League Baseball at age 31.