Ketel Marte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ketel Marte |
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Marte with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017
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| Arizona Diamondbacks – No. 4 | |||
| Second baseman | |||
| Born: October 12, 1993 Nizao, Dominican Republic |
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| debut | |||
| July 31, 2015, for the Seattle Mariners | |||
| MLB statistics (through July 28, 2025) |
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| Batting average | .281 | ||
| Hits | 1,217 | ||
| Home runs | 163 | ||
| Runs batted in | 556 | ||
| Stolen bases | 63 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Ketel Ricardo Marte Valdez (born October 12, 1993) is a talented professional baseball player from the Dominican Republic. He plays as a second baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before joining the Diamondbacks, he played for the Seattle Mariners. Ketel Marte started his MLB career in 2015. He became an All-Star player in 2019, 2024, and 2025. In 2023, he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National League Championship Series (NLCS), helping his team reach the World Series.
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Ketel Marte's Baseball Journey
Starting in the Minor Leagues
Ketel Marte began his professional baseball career when he signed with the Seattle Mariners. This happened on August 13, 2010. He first played in 2011 for a team in the Dominican Republic.
In 2012, he played for two different teams in the minor leagues. He continued to play in various minor league levels in 2013 and 2014. During this time, he showed he was a good hitter. By November 20, 2014, Ketel was added to the Mariners' main roster. This meant he was closer to playing in the big leagues.
Playing for the Seattle Mariners (2015–2016)
The Mariners called Ketel Marte up to the major leagues on July 31, 2015. For the 2016 season, he was chosen to be the team's starting shortstop. However, 2016 was a tough year for Marte. He struggled with his hitting and also missed many games because of injuries.
Joining the Arizona Diamondbacks (2017–Present)
On November 23, 2016, Ketel Marte was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He moved along with another player, Taijuan Walker. In return, the Mariners received three other players.
Marte started the 2017 season in the minor leagues with the Reno Aces. But he was soon called up to the Diamondbacks on June 28. In a big playoff game that year, he hit two triples. This helped his team win 11–8 against the Colorado Rockies.
In 2018, the Diamondbacks moved Marte from shortstop to second baseman. This change allowed another player, Nick Ahmed, to play shortstop. That year, Marte led all of MLB with 12 triples.
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In 2019, Marte was chosen as the starting second baseman for the 2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. He was hitting very well, with 20 home runs. The next season, in 2020, he continued to play well. In April 2021, he had to take some time off due to a leg injury. He returned to play in May.
On March 29, 2022, Marte signed a new five-year contract with the Diamondbacks. He continued to be a key player for the team.
In 2023, Ketel Marte had an amazing postseason. In Game 3 of the 2023 National League Championship Series, he hit a game-winning single. This helped the Diamondbacks win 2–1. He also set a new MLB record by hitting safely in 16 straight postseason games. This was the longest streak for any player starting their postseason career. He extended this streak to 18 games in the 2023 World Series. Marte was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2023 NLCS. His incredible hitting streak eventually reached 20 games, which is the longest in postseason history.
In 2024, Marte was again named the starting second baseman for the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. He had a great season, hitting a career-high 36 home runs. After the 2024 season, he won his first Silver Slugger Award. This award is given to the best offensive players at each position.
On April 2, 2025, Marte signed another long-term contract with the Diamondbacks. A few days later, he had a minor leg injury but returned to play in May. On June 2, 2025, Marte reached third place on the Diamondbacks' all-time list for Runs Batted In (RBIs). He passed Steve Finley and is now only behind Luis Gonzalez and Paul Goldschmidt.
Ketel Marte's Family Life
Ketel Marte has family connections to other baseball players. His uncle is Wilson Valdez, who also played professional baseball. Ketel Marte is married to the cousin of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., another well-known baseball star.
See also
In Spanish: Ketel Marte para niños
