The Dodgers have interest in trading for the Pirates’ Starling Marte, according to a report from NBC Sports Los Angeles’ Michael J. Duarte.
While no deal appears imminent, industry sources have told DKPittsburghSports.com in recent months that the Pirates have showed interest in such Dodgers players as right-hander Ross Stripling and left-handed hitting outfielders Joc Pederson and Alex Verdugo.
Marte is entering the final guaranteed season of his six-year, $34-million contract and is scheduled to make $10,333,333 in 2019. The Pirates also hold team options for $11.5 million in 2020 and $12.5 million in 2021 that can be bought out for $2 million and $1 million.
Stripling, 29, was selected to the All-Star Game last season when he was 8-6 with a 3.02 ERA in 33 games, including 21 starts, while helping the Dodgers win their second consecutive National League pennant. Stripling is not yet eligible for arbitration and would likely make just over the $555,000 minimum salary this upcoming season.
Pederson, 26, hit .248/.321/.522 with 25 home runs in 148 games. He will have a $5-million salary this year and has hit 85 homers in five seasons.
Verdugo, 22, batted .260/.329/.377 with one homer in 44 games as a rookie. He also hit .329/.391/.472 with 10 home runs in 91 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Baseball America ranks Verdugo as the Dodgers’ second-best prospect.
Marte, 30, has spent his entire seven-year career with the Pirates, who signed him as an amateur free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2007.
Last season, Marte hit .277/.327/.460 with 20 home runs and 33 stolen bases in 145 games. His 14 caught stealings tied the Braves’ Ender Inciarte for the major league lead.
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