Boston Red Sox Rumors: 3 Marlins players to target at MLB Trade Deadline

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 18: Starling Marte #6 of the Miami Marlins (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Boston Red Sox Trade Target No. 2: Starling Marte

It’s safe to say the Boston Red Sox haven’t necessarily had a conventional leadoff hitter all season long, but they could solve that issue by adding Starling Marte. According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, Marte is likely going to be dealt away from the Marlins after he rejected a three year, $30 million extension. The Sox could probably use another outfielder, so why not make a splash for Marte.

For eight seasons, Marte roamed center field for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and was a consistent bat at the top of their lineup who always found his way on base. But Marte was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for the 2020 season, and then was picked up by the Marlins at last season’s trade deadline after they were surprisingly contending for a playoff spot last season.

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Now Marte is set to hit free agency this offseason, and appears unlikely to stay with Miami past this season. Marte could come in and offer the Sox a speedy presence at the top of their lineup who can consistently find his way on base.

Not to mention, Marte is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game. He already has two gold gloves to his name, and could very well be on his way to another this season if he keeps up his solid performance.

If Marte was acquired, he could allow Kike Hernandez to go back to a utility role, which suits him better than playing as an everyday center fielder. Red Sox manager Alex Cora could potentially slot Hernandez in as a first baseman for awhile, or you can put him at second base and put someone like Christian Arroyo at first when he comes back from the injured list.

The Sox have the flexibility to move players around if they want to pick up Marte, which they can probably do for quite a cheap price considering the lack of leverage Miami has in this situation. Even if Marte is only a rental, he could be a valuable piece for the Sox to add if they are serious about contending for a World Series championship this season, and they should be in the market for him if the price is right.

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