The Starling Marte saga has drawn to a close.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Diamondbacks have acquired Marte from the Pirates. John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as Robert Murray formerly of The Athletic, the Arizona Diamondbacks originally reported that Arizona was making headway in a deal for the longtime Pittsburgh Pirates’ outfielder.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Pirates are acquiring prospects Brennan Malone and Liover Peguero, plus $250,000 in international bonus slot money.
Malone, 19, was selected No. 33 overall in the 2019 draft. The right-hander appeared in seven games (three started) after being drafted last year. He ranked as Arizona’s No. 9 prospect by MLB Pipeline.
Peguero, 19, is a shortstop was originally signed as an international free agent by the D’Backs in 2017. He recently appeared in Short-A for Arizona last year and ranked No. 18 in the team’s top 30 prospects.
Marte, 31, has been linked to the Mets throughout the offseason, but talks never progressed to the point where a deal was imminent.
The eight-year veteran is signed through 2020 and has a club option for 2021.
Last week, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said he was content with New York’s current outfield corps and nipped any talks about making a push for Marte in the bud.
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
