Starling Marte gets traded from D-Backs to the Miami Marlins
Miami acquired outfielder Starling Marte in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, giving the Marlins a versatile hitter and defender as they try to make a surprising push into the playoffs.
The Diamondbacks hosted pitchers Caleb Smith, Humberto Mejía, and a player to name.
Marte, 31, played most of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he was an All-Star in 2016. The two-time Gold Glove winner in left field was traded to the Diamondbacks during the offseason and played okay, hitting .311 with two home runs, eight doubles, and five stolen bases while playing center field.
Marte has a team option for next season. He went through a personal tragedy in May when his wife, Noelia, died of a heart attack.
The Diamondbacks became sellers on the trade deadline after losing 10 of their last 11 games. Earlier Monday, they also traded left-hander All-Star Robbie Ray to the Blue Jays.
The Marlins also traded infielder Jonathan Villar to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for a player. Villar is hitting .259 with nine stolen bases and is eligible for free agency after this season.
The Marlins are in the run for a playoff spot in the expanded 16-team format this year.
Earlier in the year, the team had a COVID-19 outbreak that kept them off the field for more than a week, but they have recovered and their 15-15 record is good for second place in the National League East.
Smith, 29, pitched only once this year, allowing a three-inning run on July 25. He was 10-11 with a 4.52 ERA in 28 starts in 2019. Mejia, 23, made his big hit. He made his league debut earlier this year and has a 5.40 ERA in three starts.