MLB rumors: NL contender could steal All-Star center fielder from Yankees

The New York Yankees are running out of healthy outfielders as the July 30 trade deadline approaches. That means general manager Brian Cashman could be very motivated to make a run at Miami Marlins center fielder Starling Marte. But he won’t be alone. Per the Miami Herald:

As of early this week, there is no favorite to land the services of Marte. Despite published reports, Miami had rebuffed teams on Marte hoping to get an extension done, so things should certainly pick up this week. According to sources, one of the key teams to watch in the pursuit of Marte is the San Francisco Giants.

The Giants enter play Wednesday with the best record in MLB (59-35) and a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.

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The 32-year-old Marte is scheduled to be a free agent after the season. He showed interest in signing a new contract with the Marlins, but with the two sides struggling to hammer out a deal, Miami could be motivated to send Marte packing rather than watch him walk after the season.

Marte was an All-Star with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016 and has won a pair of Gold Glove Awards (2015 and 2016). The Pirates traded Marte to the Diamondbacks before the 2020 season. Arizona sent Marte to the Marlins before the trade deadline last year.

This year, Marte is hitting .294 with seven home runs in 57 games, and is making $12.5 million, according to Spotrac.

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