Dodgers

Dodgers: Former GM Believes Starling Marte Should be a LA Target

On MLB Network Radio, former GM Jim Bowden said the Pirates and Dodgers should make a trade involving outfielder Starling Marte.

His rationale for that is the Dodgers are looking for a right-handed bat, even though they are reportedly looking for an upgrade and not just a righty.

“One thing we do know is Andrew Friedman wants a right-handed hitter. And although Betts and Lindor are on the top of his list, those are two really hard guys to trade for without giving up too much, and we know Andrew doesn’t like to give up too much.”

After saying Friedman doesn’t like to give up too much, Bowden said Alex Verdugo or Keibert Ruiz could be in the deal, seriously. He then settled on a package of Verdugo AND Ruiz for Marte and something — apparently without seeing how much that contradicts what he just said.

Bowden also mentioned the Dodgers could play Marte in centerfield while moving A.J. Pollock to left field. I guess he didn’t realize Pollock was already moved to left and Marte is a poor defender.

Last season, Marte hit .295/.342/.503 with 23 home runs, a 119 wRC+ and 3 wins above replacement in 123 games. He holds a career .287/.341/.452 slash with 108 home runs and a 116 wRC+.

A move for Marte makes little sense for the Dodgers. While he’s still a decent player, he just isn’t a big enough upgrade to trade for. He might be slightly better than Pollock, but unless they are trading Pollock, cash and a random minor leaguer, the cost would be too high.

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