5 teams who should trade for Pirates outfielder Starling Marte

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 1: Starling Marte #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates warms up in the on deck circle before batting against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning of a game at Coors Field on September 1, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy/Getty Images /

3. Chicago Cubs

If only to shake things up after a disappointing season, the Cubs may be ready to make some big moves this offseason.

Jon Heyman has pointed to them as being in the market for a center fielder, and perhaps in the mix for Marte as the easy residual in a thin market on the trade and free agency fronts. The North Siders do have a need in center field, with Albert Almora accounting for nearly half the starts there last season (80) with below replacement level defense and little offensive production (.236/.271/.381, 12 home runs over 363 plate appearances). Jason Heyward belongs in right field, and the ship has sailed on Ian Happ being a notable contributor at this point.

Shy of parting with top prospect Nico Hoerner or some fresher prospects that have come via the last two drafts, the Cubs may have to get creative to land Marte. Perhaps Addison Russell and/or any lingering promise Happ still has would interest the Pirates as part of a trade package? Maybe a three-way deal, putting a team with better prospects to offer into the mix, can be reached? In any case, the Cubs should consider all avenues to get a notable upgrade in center field. The fact Marte only requires a one-year commitment helps.

David Ross is replacing Joe Maddon as manager, but otherwise the Cubs as they’ve been constructed may only have one more run left to make. Adding Marte with that last run in mind is a palatable move, if they can get it done.

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