Jesus Montero Trade: Yankees Swap Phenom For Seattle Mariners Pitcher Michael Pineda

By Ed Valentine - Regional Editor

The New York Yankees have reportedly acquired Michael Pineda in exchange for Jesus Montero. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Jan 13, 2012 - The New York Yankees shattered the quiet of their off-season in a big, big way Friday evening. The Yankees have reportedly traded their top hitting prospect, Jesus Montero, to the Seattle Mariners for young pitching sensation Michael Pineda. The deal was first reported by Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.

This is a swap of potential young stars. Montero, 22, has been the Yankees No. 1 hitting prospect for the past several seasons. He debuted in 2011 and hit .328 with four home runs and 12 RBI in 61 at-bats.

Pineda, who will be 23 next week, went 9-10 for the Mariners as a rookie last season with a 3.74 ERA. He allowed just 133 hits in 171 innings pitched with 173 strikeouts and a 1.099 WHIP. He was named to the American League All-Star Team.

The Yankees had been seeking a No. 2 starter to add to their rotation behind CC Sabathia, and had been unable to fill that void until now.

The Yankees have not yet confirmed the deal, but there is speculation that two other players are involved. The Yankees are also reportedly sending Hector Noesi, who was 2-2 with a 4.47 ERA in 30 games as a rookie to the Mariners. They are reportedly receiving Jose Campos, a 19-year-old right-hander who pitched at Class A a season ago.

The Mariners had tried to get Montero from the Yankees two seasons ago in a deal for Cliff Lee.