D-backs Deal Starling Marte to Marlins

Arizona Sports News online

Last year, the Arizona Diamondbacks sent their top prospect in Jazz Chisholm to the Miami Marlins in exchange for starting pitcher Zac Gallen, who at the time only had a few Major League starts to his name.

A year later, Zac Gallen has been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball, and the D-backs reportedly linked up with Miami Marlins again at deadline day.

Arizona traded newly acquired outfielder Starling Marte, who the team traded for this offseason to cement the outfield. The Gold Glover only played 33 games with the Diamondbacks and hit .311 with 2 home runs, 14 RBI and 5 stolen bases.

In return, the Miami reportedly will send over pitchers Caleb Smith, Humberto Mejia and a player to be named later.

Smith has only pitched in one game this year. But in 2019, the left-handed pitcher threw 153.1 innings at a 4.52 ERA, striking out 168 and giving up 33 home runs. Mejia has predominantly pitched in the minor leagues and accumulated 277.1 innings pitched, striking out 268 batters at a 2.40 ERA.

Marte’s contract has a $12.5 million team option after this season. Without fans in attendance this season and uncertainty for the 2021 season, the team could have known it would not be picking up that option with a limited payroll. 

Starting pitcher Robbie Ray was also dealt earlier on Monday to the Toronto Blue Jays.