Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Ketel Marte is the heart of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He made his major league debut back in 2015 with the Seattle Mariners, and soon, during the 2016-17 offseason, the second baseman was traded to the D-Backs in a blockbuster trade.
Let’s get to know him more. Shall we?
What Is Ketel Marte’s Ethnicity? Exploring His Family Roots and Background
Ketel Marte is Dominican (Latino/Caribbean). He was born on October 12, 1993, in Nizao, Dominican Republic. His first name, “Ketel,” is from Norse roots, and his last name, “Marte,” is a Spanish name that is often found in the Dominican Republic in particular.
His late mother, Elpidoa Valdez, was unfortunately met with a tragic car accident in the Dominican Republic back in 2017. Since then, Ketel Marte has been deeply affected. Consequently, the league placed him on the bereavement list, and he had to miss several games as he flew back to the Dominican Republic to spend time with his family.
She had always been his true support system. Ketel Marte’s uncle, Wilson Valdez, happens to be a former MLB infielder.
In 2018, Ketel Marte tied knot with Elisa Guerrero. You must have heard the last name quite often, right? You guessed it right; she is the cousin of Toronto Blue Jays’ star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Elisa and Ketel Marte have five children: Kelly, Mahienson, Keyden, Keycha, and Kadmiel.
Well, there’s still a lot more about the D-Backs star.
What are Ketel Marte’s ethnicity and religion?
Born on October 12, 1993, the 31-year-old was born and raised in Nizao, Dominican Republic. Coming to his religion, he is open about his Christian faith. He keeps visiting Church and deeply believes in the presence of God. Religiously, he sees himself as a “man of faith”.
Marte hails from a long line of Dominican ancestry. His ancestry is rooted deeply in the culture of the Caribbean island. On the stage of Major League Baseball, he proudly represents his homeland.
What is Ketel Marte’s Nationality?
Ketel Ricardo Marte Valdez is a proud Dominican. From where he hails, baseball is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. He was brought up in local traditions. He is very spiritual and every time a misery hits, he turns to God. Just at the age of 16, Ketel Marte signed as an international free agent with the Seattle Mariners.
The D-Backs’ center fielder Ketel Marte has been one of the most valuable assets for the team. As of the 2025 season, across 65 games, he’s batting .290 with 19 home runs, 69 hits, 40 RBIs, and 52 runs scored. Moreover, Marte is recognized league-wide as a switch-hitter and is admired for his clutch postseason performance.
Marte has also notched several titles to his name. He’s a 2023 NLCS MVP, a two-time All-Star (2019, 2024) and 2024 Silver Slugger recipient. Be it shortstop or second base, Marte is widely known for his strong bat on the field and calm demeanor on the field. He is considered one of the most reliable and exciting players in the D-backs’ roster.
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