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May 20, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) celebrates after hitting a double in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
PHOENIX – After rough stretches of offensive inconsistency earlier this season coming from the D-backs’ lineup, Ketel Marte looks like the engine Arizona has been waiting for.
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May 20, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) scores in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Ketel Marte is on fire for the D-backs:
Marte’s first career walk-off home run on Tuesday night was bigger than a single swing. It was a reminder of who he is when he’s fully locked in, an All-Star caliber hitter capable of carrying an offense for weeks at a time. Then on Wednesday afternoon against the Giants, he backed it up again with another massive homer that immediately energized the Diamondbacks’ lineup. That’s the difference with Marte. His production never feels isolated. When he gets hot, the entire offense changes shape. Marte on Wednesday hit 3-for-3 with a home run, and helped Arizona get the sweep over the San Francisco Giants.
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May 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) is doused with water by teammates after hitting a three run walk off home run against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Arizona’s lineup is designed around pressure and tempo. Marte, setting the tone as the leadoff hitter, forces pitchers into uncomfortable counts early, opens opportunities for the middle of the order, and gives the Diamondbacks the swagger they play best with. Over the past several seasons, he has proven he can perform at an MVP-candidate level when healthy and aggressive at the plate. The Diamondbacks do not need Marte to hit home runs every night. They need him to be the heartbeat. When he controls at-bats, attacks fastballs, and plays with confidence, Arizona becomes far more dangerous offensively.
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May 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) hits a three run walk off home run during the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
That is why this recent surge matters beyond a two-game stretch. The Diamondbacks’ ceiling has always been tied to Marte’s ability to lead from the top. If this version of Ketel Marte is back for good, Arizona’s offense may finally be ready to find another gear.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
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