This season, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll has gotten used to a familiar sight. As he charges in on a ball, expecting to make a routine play, Ketel Marte swoops in from seemingly nowhere, snatching the ball and firing it to first base for another out. This dynamic on-field partnership highlights Marte’s impressive defensive prowess.
As the season approaches its midpoint, Marte has emerged as one of the top defenders in baseball. According to Baseball Savant, he ranks second among all second basemen, while Fangraphs goes even further, naming him the best defender across all positions. This recognition is a testament to Marte’s commitment to improving his game.
The Impact on the Diamondbacks
The significance of Marte’s transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Diamondbacks’ coaching staff. Manager Torey Lovullo has consistently praised Marte’s defensive abilities, while infield coach Tony Perezchica calls him a “complete player.” Carroll, who has a front-row seat to Marte’s performances, noted, “It’s been really fun to watch him.” This type of all-around excellence is reminiscent of Marte’s early career when he was an offensive and defensive weapon, contributing to a fourth-place finish in the National League MVP voting.
However, in recent years, Marte’s skill set had diminished. He faced persistent injuries and was frequently shuffled around the field, including playing 71 games in center field three years ago. “It’s not easy,” Marte reflected. “It’s tough to be back and forth, one day in center, one day at short, one day at second.”
After a challenging season that saw him accumulate negative-15 defensive runs saved, the Diamondbacks made the strategic decision to move Marte back to second base full-time. Unfortunately, injuries continued to plague him, leading to a 25-game primarily due to hamstring issues. It wasn’t until last season that he felt fully healthy again, leading to a remarkable performance at the plate with an .844 OPS.
A Focus on Defense
Determined to pair his offensive success with elite defense, Marte set his sights on winning a Gold Glove. “I want to win a Gold Glove,” he declared. “I’ve got good hands. If I’m moving well and using my skills, I can earn that recognition.” Following a taste of postseason baseball, Marte returned to his training regimen with renewed intensity.
In the Dominican Republic, he prioritized improving his lateral explosiveness, returning to Salt River Fields two weeks ahead of spring training to work with Perezchica. Their focus was on enhancing the routes Marte takes to field balls, a crucial skill for infielders. Early in the previous season, Marte’s route-taking was rated below average by the team’s internal metrics. However, as the season progressed, he showed significant improvement, culminating in his best defensive performance.
Despite his advancements, there remained areas for growth. Marte excelled at making plays to his right but struggled with those hit to his left. Perezchica emphasized the importance of repetition in refining these skills, stating, “Reading balls off the bat and knowing when to adjust is vital. Those are things that come with experience.”
The Results of His Hard Work
Now, analytics indicate that Marte’s defensive abilities have leveled out, allowing him to make plays to both sides effectively. Lovullo noted that what stands out most is Marte’s reaction time and first step towards the ball. “His first step movement has been very accurate,” Lovullo explained. “He’s creating the right angles and consistently getting his hands on the ball.”
This commitment to refining his defensive game has resulted in a significant transformation in Marte’s overall value. No longer just one of the better offensive second basemen, he has solidified his status as one of baseball’s elite players. With his renewed focus on defense, Ketel Marte is not just contributing; he’s redefining what it means to be a complete player in Major League Baseball.
