MLB Rumors: Marlins Trade For All-Star In The Works

 

The Miami Marlins fell short in their quest to re-acquire outfielder Starling Marte as a free agent. But that doesn't mean they've given up on obtaining a Marte. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Marlins were in trade discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks before the lockout, in a deal that would bring All-Star infielder/outfielder Ketel Marte to the Sunshine State. 

Report: Marlins eyeing D-Backs' Marte https://t.co/LvNLPILBRL pic.twitter.com/R56gokSX7f

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In the report, Rosenthal suggests that the Diamondbacks would "almost certainly" want a young pitcher coming back in any trade package for Marte. The Marlins, as it happens, have a stockpile of bright young arms to choose from. Rosenthal mentions Pablo Lopez as a pitcher the D-Backs could target. 

The 25-year-old Lopez registered a stellar 3.07 ERA in 20 starts in 2021, before hitting the injured list for the rest of the season on July 11th with a rotator cuff problem. 

He also throws out the name Max Meyer as an option. The 22-year-old righty had a dominant season in the minors, with a 2.27 ERA across AA and AAA.

However you slice it, the D-Backs would need a solid prospect package for Marte, who's essentially their only star position player. He was having another All-Star season in and around hamstring injuries that cut his playing time short his 2021. Marte hit a career-high .318, along with a .909 OPS and 14 HR in just 90 games. He can play 2B, SS and CF. 

The 28-year-old has a team-friendly contract that still has three years to run, at a total of $30M. As Rosenthal notes, the D-Backs would need a "monster package" to move him. 

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