PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – A key player with the Pirates traded after the 2019 season is likely on the block again.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports Starling Marte turned down a three-year, $30 million extension with the Marlins. The outfielder becomes a free agent after the season and having a solid year for Miami. The 32-year-old batting .285 with a .387 on-base percentage with 10 doubles, 7 home runs and 19 stolen bases.
The Bucs traded Marte for High-A shortstop prospect Liover Peguero and 33rd overall pick in 2019, right-handed pitcher Brennan Malone. Malone is with Bradenton pitching only 3.2 innings this year as he’s dealt with a nagging lat injury.
Marte is a veteran of 1070 MLB games with 1,170 hits, 216 doubles, 121 homers, 268 stolen bases and a two-time Gold Glover winner in center.
According to Audacy baseball insider Jon Heyman, Marte could join a few of his former teammates. The Phillies-Andrew McCutchen and Josh Harrison are reportedly interested as are the Yankees-Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon. The Astros also have been in touch with Miami about Marte.