Pittsburgh Pirates – Starling Marte, Outfielder
This could be more of an off-season move but the Pirates are probably going to look to continue to shed payroll with their attendance down on the season. That’s just the way things are done around there and one of the best ways to save some money would be ship Starling Marte right on out of town. He is signed through the 2021 season but he has a buyout in his contract to not be paid for his last two seasons, which are worth the biggest money of the contract. It’s hard to believe the Bucs have any intention of paying those two bigger money options and that appears to be right up the alley of the Yankees.
The Yankees could be seeking to upgrade the center field position as Brett Gardner has to be close to hanging things up. It would help that Marte is a plus defender, can steal some bases and can hit at the top of the order. New York was supposedly in touch with the Pirates when they traded Gerrit Cole this past offseason. Maybe they work another deal this upcoming trade deadline. He hits for a good average, is an above average stolen base artist and provides some home runs here and there. Marte is a threat for 20/20 every single season and this year is not an exception. The speedy outfielder already has 21 stolen bases and is sitting on 10 home runs. 20/20 hitters that can play defense at a high level can always be used, regardless of the city. Pittsburgh is going nowhere fast, much to the dread and chagrin of longtime fans. They may as well start the rebuild now.