NEW YORK — The Yankees pulled off a blockbuster trade tonight, sending power-hitting prospect Jesus Montero to the Seattle Mariners for 22-year-old right-handed pitcher Michael Pineda, CBSSports.com reported.

And Yankees general manager Brian Cashman wasn't done. The team also signed right-hander Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year deal believed to be worth between $10 and $11 million, according to the YES Network.

The moves fulfill what has long been a goal for the Yankees — improving their starting rotation. Pineda, 22, went 9-10 with a 3.74 while establishing himself as one of the top young arms in the game. He made the American League All-Star team as a rookie before fading in the second half.

But landing Pineda comes at a heavy price. Montero is considered the best power-hitting prospect in the game. In his late season call-up, and during the ALDS, Montero showed some of the promise that made him one of the team's most highly touted young players. He hit .328 with four homers and 12 RBIs in September.

The deal reportedly also includes Yankees pitcher Hector Noesi, who emerged as a reliable arm this season. The Yankees received Jose Campos, a 19-year-old Class-A pitcher.

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The Mariners had been interested in Montero before, targeting the prospect during the Yankees' failed attempt to trade for Cliff Lee in 2010. But with the Mariners looking to improve their lineup, they were willing to part with a bright young arm.

Marc Carig: mcarig@starledger.com; twitter.com/MarcCarig

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