The Arizona Diamondbacks are currently having a better-than-expected season, with a 16-14 record through 30 games.
Just 3.5 games out of the NL West and 1.5 games out of the third NL Wild Card spot, the Diamondbacks could be firmly entrenched as buyers at the trade deadline.
But could Arizona be in play for a two-time MVP at the deadline?
With the Philadelphia Phillies stumbling to a 12-19 record through 31 games, first baseman Bryce Harper has come up in trade ideas.
With the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, and Harper’s ongoing feud, could a trade actually materialize? MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger certainly thinks so.
He explains his thinking on #MLBTonight.
What Did MLB Network Say About the Arizona Diamondbacks and Bryce Harper?
Harper’s resume goes without saying. The eight-time All-Star is well on his way to Cooperstown. But in his age-33 season, is he still worthy of a hefty return?
Amsinger proposed a trade that left many fans, as well as his co-hosts, speechless at the absurdity of it.
The Diamondbacks would acquire Harper in exchange for three-time All-Star Ketel Marte and young pitcher Brandon Pfaadt in this pitch.
This is absurd for many reasons. First off, Marte is a building block for Arizona. Trading the star second baseman for Harper would make no sense to begin with.
Marte has been a consistent threat with the bat since 2023. During the playoffs that year, he led the Diamondbacks to their first NL Pennant since 2001, earning NLCS MVP honors against Harper’s Phillies.
While not quite on the level of Harper’s prime, Marte is still a star in his age-32 season. Despite trade rumors involving Marte this offseason, it’s now an impossible feat.
What makes this trade impossible? Marte has 10-and-5 rights, meaning he has earned full no-trade protection. He would have to waive those rights for any trade involving him to go through.
Not to mention, Pfaadt is a young, controllable pitcher that Arizona views as part of its future.
Therefore, this potential blockbuster trade would never happen under any circumstances.
Other Reasons the Trade Would Never Happen
This isn’t even considering the roster construction that Arizona has already built. Carlos Santana and Pavin Smith were expected to platoon at first base in 2026.
This has been further complicated by injuries to both Smith and Santana. The pair has played just 10 combined games, and are both currently on the shelf. When they were on the field, the results were poor for Arizona.
However, a major bright spot for Arizona has been utility infielder Ildemaro Vargas. In his third stint with Arizona, Vargas has truly shone.
Dating back to the end of the 2025 season, Vargas has hit safely in 27 consecutive games as of May 1. Through 93 at-bats, Vargas has an absurd .398/.417/.699 slash line.
With Vargas playing a steady first base in the 13 games he has played at the position, there’s no need for another log jam there, while sending off one of their cornerstone pieces in Marte.
While Harper is a great player, even at this stage of his career, it’s not worth the Diamondbacks tearing down the foundation that has made them successful early in the season.
Diamondbacks Trade Pitch for 2-Time MVP is a Head-Scratcher