Pirates center fielder Starling Marte stands out as one of the game’s most obvious trade chips, especially considering the non-contending club has a new general manager in Ben Cherington. The Mets have been connected to Marte throughout the offseason, and though it doesn’t appear a trade is imminent, the teams “have exchanged names” for a potential deal sometime this winter, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
As was reported before, Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo did come up in their discussions with the Pirates, Heyman tweets. However, the Pirates “may prefer prospects” to the soon-to-be 27-year-old Nimmo, who has arbitration eligibility for the next three seasons.
With no clear-cut starter in center, New York looks like a logical fit for Marte. But the Mets are facing plenty of competition from elsewhere for the 31-year-old. The Diamondbacks and Rangers join the previously reported Padres among teams that have at least checked in on Marte’s availability, per Heyman.
Although it’s unclear when they last discussed Marte with the Pirates, the inclusion of the D-backs is interesting, as they seemingly just completed their outfield by agreeing to sign Kole Calhoun. He’s slated to accompany Ketel Marte (center) and David Peralta (left) in the grass for Arizona. However, Ketel Marte can also play second base, so adding Starling Marte would enable the former to turn his full-time focus to the infield.
As for the Rangers, they appear to have a clearer opening in center after trading Delino DeShields to Cleveland earlier this month as part of the clubs’ Corey Kluber swap. Joey Gallo did see time there last season, but the plan is for him to handle right next year. Meanwhile, the team could prefer to shift the versatile Danny Santana around the diamond. With that in mind, there appears to be room for the acquisition of a proven center fielder such as Marte, one of the game’s most valuable players at his position.
For the Pirates, there is no doubt the high demand for capable center fielders and the dearth of starters available in free agency works in their favor. Plus, Marte’s affordability – he’s due a guaranteed $11.5MM in 2020 and has a ’21 club option for $12.5MM (or a $1MM buyout) – only adds to his trade value.
Trade the man to a contender! The Mets, Padres, Rangers, or Dbacks!
you said contenders yet none of those teams are really considered contenders
The Mets were a game out of a playoff spot and, at least on paper, have an improved (if only slightly) ballclub. All you need to do is make the playoffs and you’re a contender. Especially when you have an ace like deGrom pitching 2-3 times in a seven game series.
The Mets Way: Almost and If included in every answer.
As both the fan of the D – backs as well as my hometown Pirates the goal for AZ from local sports talking heads is to move Marte ( Ketel ) back to 2nd base so then Marte ( Sterling) could take over in center ….. wouldn’t mind Taylor Clarke, ,John Duplantier and a high end pitcher from the 2018 draft
How about Marte to D Backs for RHP Levi Kelly & their 2020 #34 CB pick. The Pirates would get Kelly who was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2018 draft and the CB pick, while the trade improves the D Backs now at the slight expense of the D Backs in the future. It would make sense for the D Backs to go for it next year since they added Bummy and still have Ray for next year. If things don’t look promising early on next season they can trade Ray or even Marte at the trade deadine.
I’d want another piece, but that’s a solid start IMO
Add Marte to the Rangers and they def will have a shot. Solid rotation, 4-5 arms in AAA who can handle the 4-5 spot if needed. If Guzman breaks out then they’ll be pretty damn good.
teams contending for 3rd place in their divisions
Im a padres fan and that was pretty funny.
Same.
Funny but true!!
As a Rangers fan, I resent this comment. Please admit that the improved rotation gives us a legit shot at eeking out a second place finish in the division. Additionally, we have an outside shot at missing the 2nd WC by 8 or 9 games.
Mets are definitely a contender. Top notch 5 pitching, top 5 hitting in NL. That makes them a contender
#4 in NL in hits doesn’t mean Sick Butkus when you’re #7 in NL in runs. FYI: team with the most hits don’t always win the game but team with the most runs do. They’re barely top-5 in their division, Freddy.
It’s League, not division. Saying they are barely top 5 in their division is silly. Because there is 5 teams in the NL East division. Your comment really doesn’t make sense.
In my eyes, magic number for wild card game is 95 wins. Mets seem to be within reach of that. Between Braves and Mets, that division doesn’t have a legit contender. Phillies are the biggest salary losing team in this division. Miami still hasn’t caught up due to their high end trades that included Stanton and Sanchez. The Marlins traded away 6 very good players and haven’t had much to show for it. As for the World Series Champs, Washington Nationals, I think they take a few steps back and miss the playoffs and wild card game by 3.5 games. I am glad they won the World Series after decades of struggles after moving from Montreal. And what is priceless, they did it without Harper!
But I think Braves win the division with Mets in the wild card running with the D-Backs, Brewers, and Cubs. Cardinals will probably win the NL Central this year. Dodgers have the NL west locked down. Padres are another high salary losers like the Phillies. Just the Padres farm system keeps them from looking completely like a bust. When I think of the Padres, I think of the White Sox. Plenty of talent in the farm system, but nothing proven in the majors yet. Maybe Tatis Jr does something, maybe he doesn’t. Pitching is killing Padres potential wild card chances. D-Backs, Brewers, and Cubs are more legit contenders
I don’t entirely agree with you. The NL East (minus Miami) is the best division in the NL. 50% of NLDS teams were from the East. The Nats just defeated the best team in the last decade to become WS Champs. I dislike the Phillies more than aids but they now have an extremely aggressive GM willing to buy whatever it takes to win. Though I do think Harper is the most overrated player in the last 2 decades (maybe more).
However, one thing I’ll say is that the Mets relief pitching will almost certainly improve. Look for the entire relief corps to have a renaissance.
Just like last year, right? I like the Mets, but to assume they’re a contender is a bit much. I mean I wouldn’t be shocked, but that division is tough and so far the Mets improved less than the Braves and Phils. To be fair I wouldn’t call the Phils contenders either. Both Mets and Phils are close, but have a lot to prove.
The Mets can improve the most from within by staying healthy and by “positive regression,” esp. with Diáz and Familia.
AJS-Dude—were your meds on 50% off post Christmas sale today? That’s some bad stuff.
The Phillies, Braves and Nats all had more injuries than the Mets last year. The Phillies lost an entire bullpen to injuries. Staying healthy would be a benefit to any team.
@vonpurplehayes
The Phillies finished behind the Mets last year and have not improved much (unless you’re a big believer in Wheeler; I am not). Look for the Phillies to be in fourth again this year.
I never claimed the Phillies would be better than the Mets. That being said Wheeler was a big reason why the Mets were competitive in the 2nd half. Also the Wheeler is a vast improvement over the Phillies starters last year. I think it’s a huge improvement for them and a big loss for the Mets. That being said, I can definitely see the Phils finishing fourth again, especially if they don’t stay healthy again.
@rct
Just because Wheeler “might” be overpaid doesn’t mean he can’t still be what he’s been in the last 2 years. Just by fWAR he was a 4 WAR pitcher that in the last 2 years has made him a top 10 pitcher. Who cares if he’s overpaid. He easily outperformed every other Phillies pitcher aside from maybe Noala who had a better 2018.
Have to admit, adding Wheeler and Gregorius with the return to health of McCutchen is pretty significant.
Good points. I would add that he’s not overpaid because the commenters here on MLBTR think just about all pitchers were overpaid. That tells me that the thinking of commenters here is off. The market has shifted. What pitchers are getting paid is more than commenters think. That’s all. Probably Cole and Stras were the only ones “overpaid” by teams that had special agendas. The Yankees were intent on getting the best pitcher available. The Nats were intent on keeping their franchise postseason stud.
Not sure about that. Mets has quite a few injuries.
As for the Mets chances next year, the Nats lost Rendon and the Braves Donaldson. Bigger pieces than the Mets loosing Wheeler. Not saying they’ll be first, but the chances are better this year than last.
I don’t like Wheeler at that contract. I also love Porcello as a back-end starter. The Betances move was big, even if he is an injury risk. Diaz is very fixable. His problems were with control, not velocity. Same with Familia. PLUS, shedding Cespedes’ money was a major move for multiple reasons: 1. Obviously the cap 2. It’s incentive-laden. If Cespedes produces 60% of what he produced in 2015, we will have a very powerful offense.
Finally, Lowrie will be back, hopefully as a bench man. If so, we will have depth that we haven’t experienced in decades. I just hope we retain JD and McNeil.
Freddie—enjoy the high of the hot stove league. It’s an annual rush that will be offset with the normal crash and burn in May and June.
Prepare yourself for new Wilpon drama. Super-salesman Brody will make a big splash in the late spring and Jeff/daddy will take exception.
Just wait. Always great reading the back of the NY Daily News.
How about the Sox? Marte for recently acquired Mazara, plus Dylan Cease and Zach Collins. Sox then move Robert to right.
Overpay much?
Yikes! Would not put Cease in there, especially when he is expected as 1 of the 5 starters from the beginning of the 2020.
Mazara with minorleaguers Stiever, Basabe…. Maybe. Would have Robert in center and Marte in right… Robert will get better defensively and Marte worse.
I use the term “contender” loosely, but of all of the teams who could make a playoff push, those are the only ones that appear to have a spot for Marte. The Whitesox could be added to that list as well.
Unless Nimmo is a principle piece, I don’t see how the Mets could be involved. Besides the lack of depth in the farm system, the OF would be too crowded with Marte’s addition, if no subtraction is involved.
Especially with Cespedes in the best shape of his life and excited to bust his butt in spring training to show the team that he wants to earn the cleanup spot.
Oh, that’s not going to happen. The crowd is thinning. Just wait Mets fans.
This isn’t a miracle year!!
The Mets dont have the minor league talent to offer the Pirates. And Nimmo cannot be counted upon to stay healthy.
The Pirates just MIGHT be interested in the Mets prospects. They have 3 top 100 pieces by pipelines estimation. The Pirates are just starting their rebuild, reload, readjustment or whichever expression you want to use.
The OF would comprise of Marte in Center, Nimmo and Comforto on the corners. Lageras and Cespedes become depth or perhaps one could be traded if the Mets can figure out how. Sure, Cespedes is still making a lot of money for a bench bat but it’s difficult after the injury and time away that the Mets are going to just give him a starting job first day back.
Whatever outfielders are left to consider, it’s difficult to imagine they would be enough reason to prevent the Mets from acquiring Marte.
Lagares is gone. Marisnick has his slot now.
Where are you playing JD Davis and Jeff McNeil in this scenario? One of those two had to be in the OF.
I think Marte to the Mets for Nimmo, Dom Smith and Gsellman is a fair deal.
Davis is in left
Marte in CF
Conforto in right
Then McNeil is playing third
Hey Jim,
Good question. Here’s a good answer: Second Base.
You can’t count on Cano for more than 40 games before the ASG and when he returns in August he will play another 30.
And their depth chart has another second baseman that SMILING Brody signed. I can’t remember his name because he hasn’t played yet. (LOL)
As a Mets’ fan, I can’t say I’m as enamored by the prospect of getting Starling Marte as I once was. I’d rather platoon Nimmo and Marisnick than make Marte the full time CF.
Total agreement, and the farm is thin as it is. I would rather not have them deplete it any further.
Don’t worry if the Pirates wanted your trash he would already be a Met.
Johnny is on the spot, Mets don’t have the goods 2 pull trade w/ pirates, they probably keep him
Now that’s crazy talk!
Cubs should package Amaya, and whoever else the pirates want for marte, we need a center fielder and there’s absolutely no way the team is broke….ricketts is lying
Getting Marte does exactly what for the Cubs in 2020? The Cubs don’t need to be giving up their future, they need to hold on it and trade veterans for more youth.
Amaya makes a lot of sense unless they trade Contreras. Pirates are in market for young catcher and Cubs need a Cf. Tickets and Theo make me sick. Cubs are making money and shouldn’t be run like a small market team. They should be signing and trading for stars, , not trading KB because of financial issues.
Ricketts
Small market team? Show me one small market team with the payroll the Cubs have. They were #1 or #2 last year in payroll and are near the luxury tax. The problem isn’t them spending, it’s how they’ve spent. Cubs need much more than a center fielder. They need an entire bullpen makeover, an ace, a second basemen, a left field outfield platoon with Schwarber.. and yes a center fielder…. you can’t fix all those problems with minimal payroll flexibility and a lackluster farm system. Take a year, trade Contreras and Bryant for near MLB ready talent, and try to clear some payroll while doing so. Make some deadline deals and do whatever you can to be ready to contend in 2021 and hope for surprise in 2020.
scurvy
Cubs were third in mlb payroll
Shoulda traded shwarber when he had perceived value. I never understood what teams saw in him (especially the cubs for not trading) okay with the bat but just look at him. Can he run or catch? Anyways, Marte is a great player all around.
Cubs are no small market team, mismanaged now, you could c it last year, they with new mgr are a few away from contending unless they make some good trade, Bryant is unhappy, no team gel, they’re done for now
Bryant for Marte.. Pirates haven’t had a ML 3B in 20+ years
If NL goes to DH Schwarber value goes up ….. could be 2021?
Please no just stick with Nimmo
Marte is better, but they shouldn’t give up much else more than Nimmo
Marte’s defense has declined a bit. If Nimmo can stay healthy and return to his 2018 OBP level, I think platooning him with Marisnick will work as well as having Marte (i.e., Starling, not Ketel; I’d like that one but AZ says no), if not better.
Hey AJS-If your grandmother had ———-…..
I have no living grandparents. Your point? I was at about a half dozen or so games at Citi Field last year. The Mets are both exciting and frustrating to watch. Alonso’s enthusiasm is contagious. He, McNeil, and deGrom are building blocks under control through the early part of the coming decade. They should be able to contend in that timeframe.
Now that’s crazy talk!
Marte’s contract isnt that affordable when you take into account Lorenzo Cains contract.
What does Cain’s contract have to do with Marte? Marte’s contract is extremely affordable! Especially since acain isn’t available.
kennyandthemets is a fatty from Philly
Since Preller doesnt seem like hes going after a frontline starter at the moment i wish he would jump on something like this
Don’t think Preller is going to add a #1 ace starter, so agreed, he needs to make this happen. Center and 2nd are the best chance to upgrade.
Pirates fans are just happy Huntington isnt in charge of this trade
Wonder why the Braves haven’t come up in any of these articles. He’s a better fit than Ozuna and the Braves certainly have the farm system to come up with an offer
Marte doesn’t provide the power they need. Especially if they fail to get JD back.
I think Marte’s power will play up more with the bandbox that Sun Trust Park is. It’s not Yankee stadium or Denver but it flies better than I think most expected. All the buildings and how it’s designed they created a bandbox. His attitude will change when he gets to Atlanta, guaranteed. He wants out of Pittsburgh. They can recreate JD’s stats with 2 different players.
Agreed Marte is absolutely a power bat.
PNC Park is terrible for RHB HRs so certainly could hit a few more elsewhere.
People are overthinking if Marte is an upgrade.. hes one of the best all-around OF in the game
I think most teams fans want him but they try and under value him so they can propose giving up pieces to match their valuation so they can keep their valuable players..
Why is that bad? I get that Pittsburgh is trying to make up for their poor trades in the past. Your expecting a huge over pay huh, gonna be let down.
There is a new GM & FO in Pitt they are not looking back and trying to make up for past mistakes. I never said I expected a huge over pay I was simply replying to the statement people overthink Marte as an upgrade. I never said the Braves should trade Pache ++++ for him, yet I doubt we take Atlanta’s unwanted mlb players either.
So you think Marte is a downgrade? I’m not really sure what your aiming for. The pirates already pick up everyone unwanted pieces anyhow.
I am not sure what you are getting at, I agree Marte would be an upgrade in Atlanta’s OF & will cost something fans won’t want to part with. I am saying Marte is the best CFer available behind Betts but fans of other teams under value him over thinking things using defensive metrics and I explained why. You stated I was over valuing him when I never suggested a value. Then you keep on like Cherington & FO are the previous regime as if they are looking for unwanted pieces.. If you want to go by the past then why would the Pirates trade w/ the Braves at all given their history between the teams in the early 90’s.
Wow this guy might be the biggest moron ever.
The point is Marte would be a huge upgrade for 90% of teams.
Johnny Baseball is simply saying you will have to give up appropriate return for Marte.
Atlanta has Pache and Waters at near-MLB readiness, both with more upside than Marte. Inciarte is a bounce back candidate as well for them.
No No No No. The Inciarte project is no, just no. He is trade material.
Tradecha Ender for Marte ……… ……
Phillies should get him and Archer..
Great fit for Philly who is lacking a true CF, but Phils also don’t have any trade chips.
Marte wasn’t good in CF past year, but it can be argued that he should be and last year was a fluke.
Regardless, he has one of the best arms in baseball no matter where you put him
Marte to the Reds, Contreras to the Pirates and Senzell to the Cubs
Zero chance the Cubs would trade Contreras for just Senzel. (Not to mention a three team inter-division trade is just as unlikely).
I think the Rangers make the most sense but Idk I thinks hes overated tbh
Phils should make a deal for Marte. Deal them Haseley plus. They should also find a baseball reason (as per the CBA with the MLBPA) to cut Odubel Herrera.
The plus is the problem here. Phils don’t have any trade chips outside of Bohm and I think they need a bigger splash than Marte if they’re giving up on top prospects.
what would it cost the rangers
Nimmo for Marte straight-up
So you’re a Mets fan!
Pass unless it’s for Ketel. 😉 Of course, I’d root for Starling if it happened but I no longer see the huge advantage if Nimmo is controllable for longer, can stay healthy, and can return to 2018 OBP level.
Marte for Duplantier and Varsho.
Gary Varsho
Trade him to the Cardinals for Arozerena
and the catcher Ivan Herrera
That is an interesting trade option I like both of those prospects but probably not enough for an inter league trade unless they add their 2020 #38 CBP. The value is similar to what other teams will offer and that really does not make the Cardinals worse down the line. If they wanted to get rid of Kninzer & Carlson then Marte would make the Cardinals better now while making the Pirates better later at the expense of the Cardinals which is usually the result of interleague trades.
Johnny Baseball – The Cards and Pirates are in the same division (and league). An example of an interleague trade would be one between the Pirates and the Yankees. The prefix you might be looking for is intra.
yeah I did mean inter intra division thanks for the correction.
No problem. Happy Holidays
Maybe he meant intra-league…
Padres will give up too much. Pass.
I’m a pass on this guy if I’m the Mets. Waiting it out till the deadline he might be had for the blocked Shortstop prospect.
Usually trade deadline deals are more costly than off season trades.
Said back in the fall Mets should offer JD Davis and Dom Smith. That should get it done in my opinion. Maybe throw in a A-ball prospect
phillie2020
Marte will be a Met with Nimmo and a prospect
Pirates want prospects not unwanted bench pieces.
@Phillies2020 It’s an interesting idea. Has anyone ever traded both halves of a LF platoon before? If the Pirates were in the AL it would make more sense as they’d have more ways for the trade to go right. Still, 10 years of two players with a little upside in return for Marte has to be tempting.
The problem for Pittsburgh is that Davis and Dom both got lucky last year. Something like a 350 BAbips for each, and neither is remotely fast enough to sustain that. Knock 50 to 80 points of the OPS of each, and do you still make that deal? Pittsburgh has a nice chip. It’d be difficult to justify the live possibility of getting back two guys who might be out of the majors in 2 years. Prior to last year both were in the bottom tier of ‘promising young players who look like they’ll never put it together.’ In Dom’s case, fewer than 200 PAs doesn’t move the needle all that much.
Matz is the headliner in this deal. Also hearing Gimenez is the prospect.
Doesn’t make much sense. Porcello and Wacha are huge question marks (as is Matz to a certain extent). Wouldn’t make sense to trade Matz and have to rely on Porcello and Wacha as your #4 and #5.
Uh Matz has only 2 years control left not happening.
Marte would look good between Grichuk and Gurriel jr. In the batting order too.
He will never go there, JAYS.
Why? Does he have a no trade clause? Jays have youth capital and Cherington has knowledge of the lower level prospects. It makes tremendous sense for both sides in there current states.
It appears the Jays believe they have a shot this year according to their moves. 2 years of Marte would make sense if that is the case and they have the pieces and rapport to do it.
He would be a typical Jays acquisition. Jays take players hostage that don’t necessarily want to come here.
I think a reunion with Montoyo would do Archer wonders as well. I’m not sure I would take both though.
Martes in sandiego and Machado it will
Be a nice 2-3 at bat and and good team for a word series for sure
Yeah lets make it happen, Marte to the Padres for Weathers & their 2020 #35 CB pick.
A word series?? A freeking spelling bee? Geesh!
Rays for one of their Infielders and so on?
The pirates should not trade anybody. You guys are letting them off to easy. They need to draft better and spend money. Bob nutting is the eighth richest owner in all of baseball. He is a crook.
What a ridiculous comment, I seriously doubt 24 million over 2 years is going to hurt the owner since he just washed that much down the drain this year with the FO. I see no reason to make everyone else suffer if trading Marte can help the team.
You have to learn to ignore the Yinzers.
The part I always like is when they reference Nutting’s personal wealth instead of the amount of revenue the team itself generates.
Because to reference the latter would justify raising ticket prices.
And focusing on his cheapness lets them deflect from their own.
Bill Foley will spend money when they get to Vegas.
Pittsburgh is such a mess that by the time spring trading comes, they will be in full tear-down rebuild mode. They will be looking to acquire as many lower level prospects that have high ceilings.
I think if the Pirates were looking for a quantity of low level type prospects then they would have already traded everyone.
They will. They have to. They’re 5th in their division right now. Glasgow and Meadows will haunt them a long time. They’re scouting department is there most valuable employees right now. They need to make similar trades with their most valuable assets.
I doubt previous trades will haunt the new FO, maybe the fans though. However if Cherington & co. wait much longer they will either be holding their players until the deadline or accepting a quantity deal to move them since the demand will not be there. I am starting to think the Pirates should trade w/ teams for a low level high ceiling type prospect and a CBA pick. Something like Marte to the Padres for LHP Weathers & their 2020 #35 CB pick or Frazier & Crick to the D Backs for RHP Kelly & their #34 CB pick.
Can’t trade a pick.
Yes you can trade the 1st and 2nd round competitive balance picks. you should research it, it is part of the last changes.
I stand corrected. Thanks!
It would be ridiculous for the Mets to acquire Marte, who was below average last season in CF, to their 5 corner OFers already on hand–6 if you count Cespedes.
Why would the Pirates prefer prospects to getting Nimmo if the Mets were fools enough to offer him? Nimmo’s cheaper, had the better year among the last three, is controlled for an extra year… why would the Mets deal Nimmo straight up for Marte? Because he appeared in one AS game 4 years ago?
As for the Mets, why would they prefer Marte over Nimmo where if they kept the latter, they could add the difference in their salaries in the form of a badly needed bullpen arm(s). The Mets are desperate for arms at the back end of the pen, and relievers like Joely Rodriguez (sub-1.90 ERAs over two seasons with Chunichi) and Junior Guerra (3.50 last year) are giong for $.2.5m by AAV. They need 3 such relievers far more than whatever they imagine the difference between Nimmo and Marte to be.
Majority of the defense issues was due to the collision with EGon. That Hurdle character started positioning Marte in weird spots after the fact.
It would be ridiculous for the Pirates to acquire Nimmo who has been slightly above average at best (OPS+112 last year). He just does not fit the Pirates needs, they may be in contention Nimmo’s last year if they are lucky. If the Pirates are trading Marte, then taking a chance on 2 or 3 prospects that will be around until 2025 or beyond may be a better risk for them at this point. I have no problem w/ Mets fans acting as if Marte would not be an upgrade to their OF since there are 5 other teams that think other wise that are interested still.
Just fyi, in 2018 Nimmo had the 2nd highest OPS+ in the entire NL. OPS+ accounts for his cavernous home park, and shows off what an incredible talent he is. Add that to a guy who can at least manage CF and is above average in a corner, and that’s a phenomenal ballplayer.
I get that health is partly skill, and Nimmo needs to figure out how to maintain his OBP while moving a few more inches off the plate, but this is a kid who before Rich Hill and the Dodgers hit him 3 times in the June 25th game in LA, had hit 10 HR in the previous 25 games. That’s Ruthian. That’s 65 HR in a season. He was adding elite power to a .400 on base percentage. Nimmo also seemed healthy after he came back from the IL last year.
Marte’s a fine player, but if I’m the Mets it’s going to take a LOT to pry Nimmo away.
The buccos would probably take on Nimmo, as a slight off set. But he certainly would not be the “real” headliner of this deal. And I don’t have an issue with Nimmo, I’ve been bullish on him from day one. Not a superstar but IMO real good ball player. In his prime probably around a 4 WAR player if everything breaks right.
I’d think it would actually cost less for the Mets to give up Nimmo, than to try and do a deal without.
The Mets, if Nimmo is in the deal, Mets are probably looking at giving up one of the following or something similar: Francisco Alvarez, Mark Vientos, Thomas Szapucki and perhaps a DSL lotto ticket.
If Nimmo is not in the deal then you are looking at two prospects in the range above and perhaps a lotto ticket. Or something very close to along those lines. (Don’t worry so much about the prospects names but the skill sets, and general upside)
The only way the Mets trade for Marte is if the Pirates would take Nimmo, Dom Smith and the mets prized SS in the minors Gimenez — Mets will not deal JD Davis
I’d like to see him go to the Mets
Mets will give up Nimmo and more for Marte. Nimmo probably has a better year. Neither should play CF.
I’ve long suspected that defensive metrics were bunk, but now I know for sure.
Marte is an elite CF. Great range, good glove, cannon arm.
But, to some people, there is a number on a page and that makes it gospel.
PS- The Pirates might drag their feet on trading off their veteran players in the hopes of selling 12 more season tickets.
Josh-I do not have a problem trading Marte but a young AAA catcher needs to come back in return.I do not trust low level prospects unless they are truly can’t miss,and Cherington has time to revamp the scouting and training areas to start putting good ones into the pipeline.
I agree with you on the defensive ratings and too many think that any number is gospel.
I think that they are waiting because BC is new.He needs to accurately assess his players.I’m afraid though that he is waiting too long and will lose second line free agents like Dickerson in this relatively rapid market.Look what happened when NH did not sign any help last year.
The ultimate trade would be to include Marte and Archer to the Angles for Adell plus prospects catching preferable.
Trout, Upton, Marte would be dominant and Archer would have the team he needs to rebound with. Bucs get Cutch 2.0 and a few more tickets.
Fastest OF all time. Talk about covering ground.
Would they trade Adell? I would like that! Thats going for it
If this trade were on the table, you’d need to throw in a pitching or catching prospect or two, as well. And hey, take Kela while you’re at it
There’s one move for the Pirates here. Deal Marte to to Pads, take on most of Myers’ contract and get a boatload of prospect capital in return. It’s the only move that makes sense. Getting Nimmo from the Mets makes no sense since their value is similar and the Mets’ farm system is weak.
Why would the Pirates of all teams take on Myers’ contract, even if they were getting prospects? They don’t spend money.
If the Pirates over all end up trading Marte, Kela & Frazier they would cut about as much payroll as Myers earns makng the payroll about the same, while getting some good prospects. I would think it would take Gore but they want to hang on to him and instead of paying a bunch of his contract they can trade multiple pieces from the depth of their farm. So maybe Patino Campusano Weathers Cantillo & Olivares in a Marte/Myers trade swap would work. The Pirates then can trade Kela & Frazier to further their rebuild even more.
That’s how you get upside prospects in a rebuild. They have to spend SOME money, and if they’re dealing Marte and likely others making the only multi-millions on the team, their payroll would be downright embarrassing. Plus, the work that Rick Eckstein has done with the likes of Bell Newman, Reynolds, etc may help Myers regain value.
Wow yes stunned hella idea
The way I see it is that Cherington came to the Pirates as GM because he wanted to build a team from the ground up. Cherington has already rebuilt the FO & staff and is now assessing the players. That fact along with the reality that Nutting did not provide any funds to get the upgrades needed for the 2020 team from the FA market only leaves the Pirates in a position to have to trade for them. The only Pirates worth trading that would bring back quality pieces would also create bigger holes making it even more obvious that their is no hope for 2020. The Pirates may stand pat and see what comes next year but all signs are pointing to a full rebuild since most of the current roster won’t be around the for their next contention window.. .
The next problem in the current trade market, is that most GM’s are hesitant to trade their top prospects for veteran players that are not superstars. Cherington could trade players and bring back quantity deals in hopes that some pan out but that is still risky. It seems that Cherington may have a better chance of trading w/ a team that is trying to contend in 2020 for a package with mid and low level prospects in addition to a teams competitive balance round pick. This seems more than likely a contending team would trade a CBP as draftees are 3-5 years from the majors and won’t help in 2020.
The D Backs are interested in Marte & have the #34 CBP, the Padres could use Frazier & a strong BP arm & have the #35 CBP while the Twins still need a lot of pitching help as well as someone at 1B/DH & have the #69 CBP. If the Pirates go this route then in the 2020 draft the Pirates would have 6 picks on the first day of the draft with the #7, 32, 34, 35, 45 & 69th picks which along w/ the prospects from those trades would be a way to quickly restart the rebuild..
First off, scouts know Marte is a sucker for a curveball in the dirt. It’s automatic. He has an on/off switch where hustle is concerned and enjoys taking a game or two off here and there for toenail fungus. And for all his speed, has to be one of the least cerebral base runners in the game. Just who is going to give the Pirates the boatload of prospects they want for him?
Josh Bell had an overall nice season at the plate last year but his long funk after the break was one of the reasons the team tanked. He’s too slow and not gifted defensively to play the OF and has an iron glove and limited range at 1st. So he’s ideally a DH. Again, who gives up all those prospects
Adam Frazier is likely a spot starter on a contending team. The return wouldn’t be much
What is truly distressing is that the previous FO destroyed the pipeline in the minors through poor trades and the inability to develop. While they have a lot of infield prospects, there’s no one ready to pitch, play OF or catch
This is gonna be a long haul
Joey Gallo – CF was my favorite thing to happen last year
The Braves should offer Christian Pache, Atlanta#1, MLB#11 for Sterling Marte, Joe Musgrove and $10Million Cash.
I think Marte would be a good fit in st louis. Not sure if this is enough but Cardinals could easily part with Tyler Oneil, one of their top 5 prospects in Montero, and a pitching prospect like junior fernandez.
Marte to Toronto!
Nimmo is a zero, and Dom Smith is expendable. You cannot trade McNeil or Davis, nor prospects Baty, Allan, Sanchez, or Mauricio.
Brody will. Just leave him at the card table with a GM that knows to Bluff and Brody will empty his pockets.
However Mets’ fans Brody will be smiling when he announces the trade and his voice will sound SO GOOD.
Marte to Toronto for Pardinho, Fisher, Reid-Foley and McKinney.
Without another right handed big bat in a position player [not Davis, hes a fill in]
the Mets will finish, most likely in 3rd.
Rangers – One Week Later … ZZzzzzz
Marte for nimmo would be horrid for the bucs. nimmo isnt even a 4th OF type.