2012 MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees, Mariners Swap Michael Pineda, Jesus Montero

The New York Yankees found their number two starting pitcher while the Seattle Mariners landed their impact bat last night.  The Mariners and Yankees matched up for a trade that helped both sides fill needs, as New York sent Jesus Montero and Hector Noesi to Seattle for Michael Pineda and Jose Campos.

Lacking an ever-expanding payroll this winter, the Yankees had to get creative in order to add the pitching they desired.  New York was able to do just that, sending their top young hitter to the Mariners in exchange for Pineda.

Pineda made his debut with the Mariners last season, going 9-10 with an ERA and WHIP of 3.74 and 1.099 over his 28 starts and 171 innings pitched.  The 22-year-old right-hander posted a 9.1 SO/9 along with his impressive 2.9 BB/9.  These numbers earned Pineda a trip to the 2011 MLB All-Star Game and American League Rookie of the Year consideration.

Along with Pineda, the Yankees receive minor league starter Jose Campos.  The 19-year-old spent all of last season pitching for the Mariners Low-A affiliate, maintaining an ERA of 2.32 to go with his 0.971 WHIP.  Campos managed a SO/9 of 9.4 and BB/9 of 1.4.

In return for their pair of pitchers the Mariners received one of the game’s most highly touted hitters, Jesus Montero.  After raking in Triple-A for most of the season, Montero made his major league debut.  Over his 18 games and 69 plate appearances with the Yankees, the 22-year-old managed four home runs, 12 RBI’s and an OPS of .996.

Seattle also receives right-handed starter Hector Noesi in the trade.  The 24-year-old spent the 2011 season pitching for both the Yankees and their Triple-A squad.  Noesi spent most of his time in the big pitching out of the Yankees ‘pen (4.47 ERA over 56 1/3 IP), though he did start at the Triple-A level (3.28 ERA over 24 2/3 IP).

For more on the Yankees and Mariners, be sure to check out Yanks Go Yard and SoDo Mojo.