Ketel Marte Named National League Least Valuable Player

MLB analyst Jayson Stark singled out the veteran for his performance and conduct during the 2026 season.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Baseball

MLB analyst Jayson Stark has designated Ketel Marte the National League's Least Valuable Player for 2026, citing significant offensive regression and off-field disciplinary issues. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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MLB analyst Jayson Stark has named Ketel Marte the National League's Least Valuable Player for 2026. This designation follows a season marked by significant offensive regression and off-field controversy for the infielder.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights a challenging year for the veteran, whose production fell sharply while his team grappled with his unexpected absences. The situation underscores the impact that inconsistent performance and off-field distractions can have on a player's standing.

Marte posted a 2.3 bWAR over 138 games in 2026, finishing with a .250 batting average, a .316 on-base percentage, and a .435 slugging percentage. His wRC+ for the season reached 102, notably lower than his performance marks in 2025.

The players

Ketel Marte

Ketel Marte is a professional baseball infielder who faced significant scrutiny for his play and conduct throughout the 2026 season.

Jayson Stark

Jayson Stark is a well-known MLB analyst who evaluates player performance and league-wide trends.

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are a Major League Baseball team that competed against Marte during the series where he left his team.

The details

Marte's season was marred by a notable offensive decline, with his on-base and slugging percentages dropping by over 60 and 80 points respectively. The season also included a controversy where Marte was placed on the restricted list after leaving the team during a series against the Boston Red Sox to visit a casino at night.

Marte achieved a .893 OPS during the 2025 season.
The 2026 season saw Marte named the National League Least Valuable Player.

Season Trajectory

This negative recognition reflects a significant shift in the competitive standing of a key player who had previously maintained high output. It places pressure on team management to assess the future of their roster and the impact of individual distractions on the collective season narrative.

The drop in Marte's wRC+ to 102 indicates a transition to league-average production, which significantly lowers his fantasy utility compared to his 2025 performance. Fantasy managers should monitor his off-season training and team status to gauge his value for the upcoming 2027 draft.

The takeaway

Reliability and consistent offensive output are the foundation of a star player's value in Major League Baseball. Fans can observe how such public critiques often serve as a catalyst for players to either recalibrate their professional habits or face potential roster displacement.