Geraldo Perdomo Defends Ketel Marte, Emerges as Diamondbacks’ Leader

The Diamondbacks are coming off their most difficult weekend of the season. Not only did they drop three of four to the Rockies, but they also lost two games where they entered the bottom of the seventh with a lead. However, the biggest story of the weekend was not about their play on the field, but what was going on behind the scenes with their star slugger, Ketel Marte.

D-backs manager Torey Lovullo was conducting his postgame presser with the media. What happened next was something no one could have predicted: star shortstop Geraldo Perdomo jumped in and stood up for his double play partner. You'll want to watch the entire video, courtesy of The Arizona Republic's José Romero.

This was something Perdomo didn't have to go out of his way to accomplish, but it shows the strength of his character and his ability to lead the team. Not only was he willing to stand up for Marte, but he did so in a very public and direct setting. It puts a name and face on the record for people to see. It's also the moment that cements him as the unquestioned leader of the team, something manager Torey Lovullo saw in him last year.

Perdomo is the type of player that every baseball fan would love to call their own. He squeezes every ounce of talent he has daily to help the team win, setting a high standard through his own example. That effort has led to recognition, leading all National League shortstops in average WAR (4.65) in 2025. He's no longer a lean, bottom-of-the-order grinder; he's a star player who serves as the compass of the team. When he has something to say, people listen.

The hope is that this moment marks the end of this drama. The team is still better off with Ketel Marte in their lineup and batting in the 2 hole between Perdomo and Corbin Carroll. They may explore trade options in the offseason, but barring a godfather deal that includes multiple impact pitchers that can shore up the top of their rotation and back of the bullpen, he should remain in Arizona. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

This is the same player who won the National League Championship Series MVP in 2023, being one of three D-backs hitters to record a walkoff hit in the postseason. He's twice committed to staying in Arizona, signing extensions for under-market value for a player of his caliber. He cares a lot about his legacy, especially with an established track record of performing on baseball's most difficult stage. If he can get through this rough patch, no one will remember this saga again, and his No. 4 will be retired in about 10 or so years.

I don't think Nick Piecoro is going out of his way to alienate Ketel Marte, but there are people in the organization who are frustrated with his behavior. There's no doubt that Marte has rubbed his teammates the wrong way and has done things that deserve criticism. Going back to the Dominican Republic during the All-Star break and then being unavailable to play is inexcusable. The team handled that issue internally, and thanks to Bob Nightengale, we have a better idea of how they did.

In my opinion, he needs to show his teammates that he's willing to put his team above himself and not let Perdomo's plea go in vain. The season is already a lost cause, but it doesn't need to lead to total organizational collapse either. I think Perdomo senses an issue that could completely fracture the clubhouse, if left unaddressed, and is going out of his way to nip it in the bud.

You can read my op-ed on the situation, which was published before Nightengale's report and Perdomo's postgame plea. While my opinion of the situation has evolved based on the new information coming out, the long-term outlook for Marte has remained the same. The D-backs are a better team with him than without him.