Pittsburgh Pirates Rumors: Arizona and New York Interested in Marte

It is sounding more and more likely that the Pittsburgh Pirates could see a lot of roster changeover over this offseason.  This could start with Starling Marte.

It has been well noted, covered, reported, sourced, whatever else that Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star outfielder Starling Marte is available for trade.  This was reaffirmed last night when Ben Cherington told reporters that just about everyone is available, of course with some players being more so than others.

Obviously, Starling Marte is the Bucs top trade chip and the trading of him very well could set the tone for the Pittsburgh Pirates new regime.  Marte is one of the most valuable trade chips on the market this offseason, and Cherington has a chance to get off on the right foot with building a better organization.

According to Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic, a Marte trade seems more likely with each passing hour.  Biertempfel has reported that both the Mets and the Diamondbacks are pursuing the five-tool outfielder along with a large number of other teams.  This is the first really “big” rumor that has emerged for the Pittsburgh Pirates at the Winter Meetings.

The Diamondbacks could make a lot of sense as a landing spot for Starling Marte.  The team currently has Ketel Marte in centerfield who could shift to second base.  They also released Steven Souza Jr., opening up a whole in right field as well.

Arizona also has the pieces to get a deal done.  With Carson Kelley locked in as the Diamondbacks catcher of the future, the DBacks could make their number two prospect, catcher Daulton Varsho, available in the deal.  Varsho ranks as the games number 62 overall prospect in baseball and will start the year in Triple-A.  Also, they have plenty of young pitching that is close to MLB ready or already in the MLB.

Jon Heyman of the MLB Network also confirmed that New York Mets remaining interest in Marte.  Heyman tweeted that they are indeed interested in him despite their recent pick up in outfielder Jake Marisnick. Heyman tweeted:

The Mets continue to make sense as a trade partner.  They did pick up Jake Marisnick, but he projects better as a fourth outfielder.  Marte could make a real impact on the Mets team that has had players like Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto spend time in center when they are better suited for a corner outfield spot.

The Mets’ most interesting trade chip might be their top catching prospect, Francisco Alvarez.  Alvarez currently ranks as the Met’s #2 prospect on Baseball America’s most recent Top 10 list. Alvarez is only 18 years of age but has all the tools one could want in a catcher.  He has power and hits for a solid average, hitting over .300 with seven home runs in 42 career games.  Also, he has one of the best arms in the minor leagues and projects to be a future top 100 prospect.  The Mets also have one of the better left-handed pitching prospects in baseball in David Peterson.  Peterson will start the year in Triple-A, so he could make an impact this season if acquired.

The hot stove is starting to heat up and the rumor mills are swirling.  It looks to be very likely that the Pittsburgh Pirates will deal Starling Marte.  Now, it is just a matter of time to who and what they will get back.