The Diamondbacks continue to add to their roster as reports have come out that the club has traded for Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte.
Marte, a one-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glover, slashed .295/.342/.503 with 23 home runs, 82 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 2019. Marte’s career numbers are 108 home runs, 420 RBI and a .287 batting average over eight years.
Arizona is reportedly sending over prospects Liover Peguero and Brennan Malone.
Malone is a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher and the 33rd overall pick out of last year’s draft. Peguero is a shortstop who hit .364 in the Pioneer League this year. According to MLB Pipeline, Malone was the ninth rated prospect and Peguero was the 18th ranked prospect in the Diamondbacks’ system.
The addition of Marte means another Marte, Ketel Marte, can use his versatility to play outfield as a luxury, not so much a necessity. Ketel had a breakout All-Star season last year and will be presumed to man second base now that Arizona’s outfield has a bit more depth with Starling Marte, David Peralta and Kole Calhoun and Tim Locastro.
Marte’s contract indicates he will be owed $11.5 million with a club option in 2021 worth $12.5 million.
The All-Star outfielder is the latest addition to the Diamondbacks in a busy offseason that added ace Madison Bumgarner, catcher Stephen Vogt and Calhoun.
Jordan Hamm
