Oakland Athletics reportedly acquire outfielder Starling Marte and cash
The Oakland Athletics are chasing a title in 2021 and that means the team is buying at this year’s deadline. In true A’s fashion, the team is looking for rentals and just landed one in Starling Marte.
The Miami Marlins outfielder is on an expiring deal and has a WAR value nearing 3.0 on the season. Oakland likes what they see in him and decided to swing a deal that also has Miami sending cash in return.
The Oakland A’s are finalizing a deal to acquire center fielder Starling Marte from the Miami Marlins, sources tell ESPN. Marlins will be sending significant money along with him to Oakland. First with news was @CraigMish.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2021
Miami sent cash with Marte for a reason
Details continue to pour out about this deal and while the A’s did land a veteran contributor, a top young player was sent to Miami in return.
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
So Miami decided to move Marte and pay him all for pitcher Jesus Luzardo. This is a bit of a shock considering the A’s love young players under team control, but wanting to win now involves sacrifices. They may also no longer think highly of the young pitcher.
Luzardo is a former top prospect who is only 23 years old. The A’s acquired him 2017 in a deal with the Washington Nationals and that looked like a coup. Now, he is headed to Miami to join that young, dynamic staff.
Moves like this are ones to watch as time goes on. If the A’s don’t win the World Series this year and Luzardo ends up being even a serviceable pitcher, fans won’t be happy. Of course, Miami is expecting him to be much more.
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Oakland is currently six games back of the Houston Astros and they are clinging to a small lead for the second Wild Card spot. This deal is a curious one, but perhaps it will pay off.