It was supposed to be a Marte Party, or so we were told. The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired Starling Marte from the Pittsburgh Pirates just before the start of Spring Training on January 27th, 2020. Mike Hazen paid a fairly hefty price in trading 2019 first round draft pick pitcher Brennan Malone, along with Liover Peguero, and international bonus money. In acquiring the former two time Gold Glove outfielder, the team was able to move Ketel Marte (no relation) back to second base full time.
Tragically, Starling’s wife Noelia Brazoban died from a heart attack while awaiting ankle surgery in May prior to the start of the shortened 2020 season.