The Arizona Diamondbacks had reportedly been in contract discussions lately with second baseman Ketel Marte. On Sunday, the two sides appear to have reached a deal, according to MLB Insider Hector Gomez.

Marte’s deal is a five-year $76 million extension to stay in the desert. The contract reportedly includes the two club options years in 2023 and 2024, and adds three more years.

The slugging infielder is coming off an injury-plagued season in 2021. However, despite only playing 90 games last year, Marte posted MVP-level numbers for his time on the field. He finished the season hitting .318, while hitting 14 home runs, driving in 50 runs and scoring 52. It’s not the first time he has ascended to that level.

In 2019, Marte was named the starting second baseman in the All-Star Game for the Diamondbacks. That season, he hit .329 with 32 home runs and 92 RBI’s. He finished fourth in the NL MVP race that season.

Marte was initially traded to the Diamondbacks in 2016 from the Seattle Mariners. Arizona sent back Jean Segura and Mitch Haniger. In hindsight, it definitely feels like a win for Arizona.

Marte is expected to do much of the heavy lifting in a rather lightweight Arizona offense. It’s likely going to be a long season for the Diamondbacks. The NL West is loaded. The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres are all considered some of the favorites to go deep into the postseason this year.

Meanwhile, Arizona is still lacking for talent at many key positions. Their starting pitching is arguably the team’s biggest weakness, with aging star Madison Bumgarner leading the staff.