Ben Nicholson-Smith cooled the Ketel Marte buzz on Saturday, hours after a report had the Blue Jays closing in on the Diamondbacks star. A deal doesn't appear close.

MLB insider Héctor Gómez reported Saturday morning that Toronto was “intensifying talks” for Marte. He added that a four-year, $135 million extension was being discussed as a restructure of his current deal.

The report spread quickly. By early afternoon, Sportsnet's Nicholson-Smith offered a much different picture.

He wrote that the Jays have “some interest” in Marte, but that the second baseman would have to approve any trade and Arizona's asking price is high.

He was “not under the impression there's been any new traction there as of Saturday morning.”

So what's real? The interest, but not a deal.

Ketel Marte's veto rights keep the Blue Jays waiting

Marte holds full 10-and-5 rights, meaning he can block any trade. The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro reported the D-backs left the GM meetings without a clear idea of which teams he'd approve.

His current contract adds complexity. About $87.5 million remains over five seasons, including deferrals and an $11.5 million player option for 2031.

An extension on top of that would push the commitment even further for a 33-year-old. That's why the original report raised eyebrows.

There's also the reliability question. Marte didn't show up for a game in Boston on Aug. 17, a moment that still hangs over his market.

Toronto should be very wary of that extension number. Paying a 33-year-old with off-field questions that kind of money is the type of deal that ages into an anchor.

The Saturday rumour was like seeing smoke and assuming there's a full barbecue going. Someone lit the grill, but nobody's eating yet.

The need is real, though. The Jays finished last in baseball with 648 runs and 152 homers in 2026.

Marte remains one option among several, alongside Brandon Lowe and Jazz Chisholm Jr. If Arizona's price drops or he picks Toronto, the conversation could restart in a hurry.