Jeff Passan announced today that the Pittsburgh Pirates have traded Starling Marte to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for RHP prospect Brennan Malone and right handed hitting shortstop prospect Liover Peguero.
Marte, who has spent his entire career with the Pirates up to this point, hit .295/.342/.503 with a .353 wOBA and a 119 wRC+. He has speed to go along with his power, too. He stole 25 bases to go along with 23 home runs in 2019. Marte’s defense does leave something to be desired. He had -9 DRS and -8.3 UZR in 2019, the worst among center fielders in both those categories.
Brennan Malone is one half of the return for Marte. The 33rd overall pick in the 2019 draft, he hasn’t pitched above low A ball since debuting in 2019. He shows great potential, able to get his fastball up to 96 MPH despite only being 19. He also utilizes a plus slider with an average curveball and changeup rounding out his arsenal.
Livover Peguero is the other half of the return for the Pirates, and, like Malone, is only 19 and has not played above low A ball. He did have a breakout season in 2019, lighting up the Pioneer League for a 153 wRC+ and earning a promotion to low A. He shows above average glove work to go along with a strong arm and plus speed. If needed, he could move over to third base as he develops.
