Steven Souza Is Working With The Cubs.

Jon Heyman reports that trade talks regarding Pirates outfielder Starling Marte are “heating up” and that the Mets and Padres are heavily involved.

Marte, 31, isn’t best deployed in center any longer, but he can still be a defensive asset at an outfield corner.

Marte’s under contract for $11.5 million in 2020, and his pact includes a $12.5 million club option/$1 million buyout for 2021.

The Cubs are close to fortifying their outfield situation by signing veteran outfielder Steven Souza, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Sullivan of MLB.com, veteran outfielder Hunter Pence wants to play again in 2020.

Following the 2018 season, it looked like Pence’s career might be over, but last season in his age-36 campaign he bounced back in a big way.