SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Diamondbacks have decided to anchor their offensive future around Ketel Marte’s ample talents.

The club announced on Tuesday that it had finalized a $76 million, five-year contract with Marte that begins in the 2023 season and includes a team option for the 2028 that could be worth up to $13 million.

The 28-year-old Marte has clearly been the D-backs’ best player over the past few seasons. The only problem has been keeping him on the field. Marte batted .318 with 29 doubles and 14 homers last season despite being limited to 90 games because of hamstring injuries.

Marte is also a good defender at multiple positions though the D-backs hope to play him mostly at second base this season.

D-backs GM Mike Hazen said securing Marte to a long-term deal is important as the team tries to build back toward playoff contention. Arizona lost 110 games last season, which was the second-worst year in franchise history.

Justin Verlander won’t start opener

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Still sporting a 0.00 ERA after three spring training starts, Astros ace Justin Verlander won’t start on opening day as Houston plans around the early-season schedule.

Manager Dusty Baker said skipping Verlander in the opener on April 7 at the Los Angeles Angels better positions him to take advantage of three off-days the Astros have in the first two weeks.

Returning from Tommy John surgery, the 39-year-old Verlander hasn’t pitched in a major league game since the delayed opening day of the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season.

White Sox acquire OF Adam Haseley

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Chicago White Sox acquired outfielder Adam Haseley in a trade Tuesday with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Chicago sent minor league pitcher McKinley Moore to Philadelphia for Haseley, a .264 hitter over parts of three big league seasons. Outfielder Blake Rutherford was designed for assignment by the reigning AL Central champions to make room on their 40-man roster.

Haseley was selected by Philadelphia with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2017 amateur draft. He made his big league debut in 2019, batting .266 with five homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games.

Haseley was the Phillies’ opening day center fielder last year, but he appeared in just nine games with the big league club. He hit .233 in 56 games in the minors.