Ketel Marte is the key to the Diamondbacks' World Series hopes

Expectations have already been shattered by the Arizona Diamondbacks as they'll play in just their second World Series in franchise history. 

Ketel Marte was not only essential to the team's victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, winning NLCS MVP, but he will be the key to their hopes in the World Series against the Texas Rangers. 

Marte, a 30-year-old seven-year veteran, is the longest-tenured player on the Arizona roster. He has captured the attention of everyone this postseason. 

His 16-game hitting streak is the longest in MLB history to begin a playoff career, but it's how Marte has been swinging the bat that has propelled the D-backs to the World Series. 

In the NLCS, he went 12-for-32 with four doubles and a triple, good enough to slash a .387/.406/.581 line. It seemed as though any time the Diamondbacks needed to get something going, Marte was there to get on base.

Arizona's aggressive play on the bases has largely been credited to the youthful additions to their lineup, notably Corbin Carroll and Alek Thomas, but Marte has been setting that tone for the last seven years. 

Marte doesn't steal bases often, but he's still a threat to take an extra base anytime the opportunity arises. The club will need all three speedsters to get on base consistently against the Rangers to stand a chance. 

Marte batted .276.358/.485 during the regular season, posting a career-high 157 hits with 26 doubles, nine triples and 25 home runs. In four games versus the Rangers he went 6-for-19 with three home runs (.429/.576/1.071).