10 MLB moves that still need to happen this winter

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 20: Atlanta Braves Third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) takes the field during the MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco on September 20, 2019 at SunTrust Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David John Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

7 of 10

PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 07: Starling Marte #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the St Louis Cardinals at PNC Park on September 7, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Pittsburgh Pirates: Trade Starling Marte

It’s anyone’s best guess what’s going on in Pittsburgh with the Pirates, who are breaking in a new front office and manager on the heels of a 69-93 season and three losing years out of four.

The decision to trade Tyler Glasnow and Austin Meadows for Chris Archer has blown up in their faces spectacularly, while the entire pitching staff imploded around him last year. It’s time for a total rebuild in Pittsburgh, and the team should waste no time getting started.

Unlike last time the Pirates tried to test the water on rebuilding, when they traded Gerrit Cole and Andrew McCutchen, it has to be serious this time. Their return for Cole — Colin Moran, Joe Musgrove and Michael Feliz — looks comical in hindsight, but the Pirates prioritized players who were already at the MLB level instead of taking higher upside.

The Pirates have three top-100 prospects in their system, led by right-hander Mitch Keller, who reached the big leagues last year. They’ll need another shot in the arm to even begin making up for trading away Meadows and Glasnow. Outfielder Starling Marte is the best trade chip on the current roster, assuming ownership won’t go for trading first baseman Josh Bell.

This year’s free-agent class was thin on outfield talent, and Marte is just as good as Nicholas Castellanos or Marcell Ozuna. The 31-year-old hit .295/.342/.503 last season with 23 home runs and 25 stolen bases. Marte is due to make just $24 million over the next two seasons, which is a very fair price for a player capable of producing just a shade below All-Star level.

Home/MLB