"In a deal fraught with risk but teeming with potential reward, the Mariners are trading All-Star pitcher Michael Pineda to the Yankees in a package that will bring them power-hitting catcher Jesus Montero.

Amidst ongoing speculation whether Seattle would land free-agent Prince Fielder, general manager Jack Zduriencik went a different route to address the club's glaring need for run production. The Mariners have had the worst offense in the majors the past two years.

The deal, which still requires physicals from the participants to become official, also involves two right-handed pitchers. The Mariners will send highly regarded 19-year-old prospect Jose Campos to the Yankees. Seattle will receive 24-year-old Hector Noesi, who appeared in 30 games for the Yankees last year (all but two in relief) with a 4.47 earned-run average.

The Mariners are declining comment on the deal until it becomes official.

Montero has been frequently compared to Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera, but he has been nagged by questions about his defense behind the plate. Some scouts believe he will eventually wind up as a first baseman/designated hitter.

In a tweet Friday night, Bergen Record columnist Bob Klapisch quoted Yankees general manager Brian Cashman saying, "To me, Montero is Mike Piazza. He's Miguel Cabrera."

Both key players are 22, though Pineda turns 23 next week, and Montero's 23rd birthday isn't until November. Pineda has a full season in the majors, which resulted in a 9-10 record in 2011, a 3.74 ERA and 173 strikeouts, more than any other American League rookie. In July, Pineda became just the second rookie pitcher in Mariners history to make the All-Star team, pitching a scoreless inning in Phoenix."