Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, one of the top Latin American athletes in Major League Baseball, credits fellow stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. for motivating him to improve. After finishing third in the 2024 National League MVP race behind Shohei Ohtani and Francisco Lindor, Marte continues to demonstrate his growing influence on the field. This season, he earned a starting position at second base for the National League All-Star team, underscoring his rising profile.
Despite his personal achievements, Marte expresses admiration for other elite Latin American players, highlighting their character and skill as key drivers behind his own determination and growth. His recognition of these peers reflects the strong bonds and competitive spirit that fuel his performance.
Marte Shares Which Latin American Players Inspire His Growth
In a recent discussion with Sebastián Camacho of Bleacher Report, Marte named several Latin American stars who inspire him to push his boundaries. He singled out Jose Ramirez, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado for their exemplary character and humility alongside their impressive talent.
“I like Jose Ramirez. I like Fernando Tatis Jr. and (Manny) Machado,” Marte said (translated from Spanish). “I think their character is the main thing. They are good teammates. They are humble, and what else can I say about the talent that god gave them?”
Marte will share the field with Machado, who is also a starter for the National League at third base during the All-Star game. Fernando Tatis Jr. made the All-Star team as a reserve outfielder. Meanwhile, Jose Ramirez originally secured a starting spot at third base for the American League but withdrew, with Rays newcomer Junior Caminero stepping in as his replacement.
Mentorship Shaping Marte’s Journey Through MLB
Ketel Marte began his Major League Baseball career in 2015 with the Seattle Mariners after signing as an international free agent in 2010. After two seasons, he joined the Arizona Diamondbacks, a move that helped him flourish. Marte emphasizes the importance of mentorship in his development, naming Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz as his guiding figures during his early career.
“Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz are my mentors,” Marte said. “You know, I always put them as an example. Cano and Nelson Cruz always wanted me to be the player I am today.”
Both Cano and Cruz were Marte’s teammates with the Mariners and played together on the Dominican Republic team that won the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where Cano was honored as the tournament’s MVP. Their leadership and experience helped Marte navigate the challenges of the major leagues and refine his skills.
The Notable Careers of Marte’s Role Models
Robinson Cano had a storied MLB career spanning 18 seasons across five teams, with his greatest success coming during his tenure with the New York Yankees, where he won the 2009 World Series. An eight-time All-Star, Cano is remembered for his consistent offensive production and leadership qualities.
Nelson Cruz, a seven-time All-Star, played 19 seasons for eight teams, earning acclaim for his power-hitting ability. He reached the World Series with the Texas Rangers and earned the ALCS MVP award when the Rangers bested the Detroit Tigers. Cruz’s impact as both a player and mentor has left a lasting impression on Marte’s career.
How These Influences Shape Major League Baseball’s Future
Ketel Marte’s openness about the influence of established stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Robinson Cano, and Nelson Cruz reveals the importance of character, mentorship, and talent in shaping the next generation of baseball players. As Marte continues to elevate his game this season, these inspirations will likely sustain his drive toward excellence. With the All-Star game showcasing many of these stars together, fans can witness the continued legacy of Latin American players impacting MLB’s competitive landscape.