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Miami Marlins Interested in Aroldis Chapman, Fernando Rodney

By Matt Weyrich

May 10, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Flames are projected on the scoreboards as New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) warms up for the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Chapman recorded his first save with the Yankees and the Yankees defeated the Royals 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Flames are projected on the scoreboards as New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) warms up for the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Chapman recorded his first save with the Yankees and the Yankees defeated the Royals 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Marlins have discussed closers Aroldis Chapman and Fernando Rodney as potential trade targets. Could one of the All-Star relievers be dealt to Miami?

The Marlins have held internal talks about the possibility of acquiring either the Yankees’ Aroldis Chapman or Padres’ Fernando Rodney, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney (subscription required). Miami currently ranks sixth in the NL in bullpen ERA with a modest mark of 3.69, but has amassed the third most blown saves in the majors (12).

Chapman has pitched well since making his late season debut, posting a 2.70 ERA with 15 saves over 21 appearances in his first season donning the pinstripes. Despite missing over a month of the season due to his domestic violence suspension, the 28-year old Cuban native is tied for the eighth most saves in the AL.

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It is not yet clear whether the Yankees will make Chapman or any of their other prized bullpen arms available prior to the August 1 non-waiver trade deadline. The team still views itself as contenders, and in a market like New York, it’s never easy to throw in the towel. If they do decide to become sellers, however, the price for Chapman will undoubtedly be high. The big question is whether or not the Marlins have the pieces to make such a move.

Over in the Senior Circuit, Fernando Rodney has been absolutely brilliant for San Diego. While the team is well out of contention, Rodney has been one of the few bright spots for the struggling ballclub. Owner of a miniscule 0.31 ERA, the long-time Tiger is a perfect 17-for-17 in save opportunities this season. With James Shields shipped off to Chicago, the Padres have made it clear which side of the bargaining table they stand on. Although his price tag most likely won’t be as high as Chapman’s, Rodney will be highly sought after.

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As far as prospects go, the Marlins don’t have much to brag about. ESPN’s Keith Law ranked Miami’s farm system 29th in all of baseball prior to the 2016 season. Nevertheless, the team is only three games behind the Nationals in the NL East and currently holds one of the Wild Card spots, even despite Giancarlo Stanton’s season-long slump. Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria will have to cut deep into his minor league system in addition to his pockets if the team is going to pull something like this off. It’s just a matter of whether he’s willing to pull the trigger.

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