Athletics Acquire Outfielder Starling Marte From Marlins

Marte, a one-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner, is heading to Oakland

The Oakland Athletics strike again.

According to Craig Mish of Herlad Sports, the Miami Marlins are sending coveted outfielder Starling Marte to the Athletics in return for pitcher Jesús Luzardo.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and Jeff Passan of ESPN later confirmed the deal, citing that Luzardo–Oakland’s former number-one prospect–will indeed be on the move to Miami.

Source confirms: Marlins getting LHP Jesús Luzardo from A’s for Starling Marte, source tells @TheAthletic. Big haul for a rental. First: @JonHeyman.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2021

Starling Marte is headed to the A’s, Jesus Luzardo is going to Marlins, sources tell ESPN. A 1-for-1 deal in which Miami will cover the entirety of Marte’s remaining contract — more than $4 million. Marte is a free agent this winter. Luzardo isn’t one until after the 2027 season.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2021

Over 63 games this season, Marte is batting .306 with a .407 on base percentage and a .453 slugging percentage. The 32-year-old has drilled seven home runs and driven in 25 runs while stealing 22 bases this season for the Marlins.

By acquiring Marte, the A’s bring on one of the most sought after bats on the trade market. Marte will play alongside Ramon Laureano and Mark Canha in the outfield, giving Oakland plenty of defense, speed and pop in its lineup.

Marte will be a free agent at the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Luzardo departs Oakland after posting a 5-6 record over 31 appearances. The young left-hander’s 4.79 career ERA was underwhelming for an A’s team that deeply needs another left-handed presence in its starting rotation.

The 23-year-old will now travel to Miami where he will play in the National League and join a Marlins team that hopes to become a success story in the coming seasons.

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