Biggest Miami Marlins Offseason Need: Starting Pitching
By Tim Boyle
Possible Targets
While it would be great for the Marlins to sign Jake Arrieta, Yu Darvish or any other top-name free agent pitcher, it’s also very doubtful. The last time the Marlins went crazy in free agency it backfired big time. The team’s chemistry was obliterated and they ended up wasting a lot of money on guys such as Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle only to trade them for far less talented players.
As far as trades go, the Marlins probably won’t nab anyone too impressive without surrendering MLB talent. Their barren farm system limits them to lesser players. That said, they do have the talent to spare.
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Ozuna’s value has never been higher. They could always re-explore the possibility of trading Christian Yelich as well. Even though it was the Philadelphia Phillies who were linked to Yelich during July, others would certainly want a piece of the action.
In addition to Yelich and Ozuna, the Marlins may always trade Stanton or Dee Gordon. There does come a point where sacrificing too much on offense would negate any improvement they make to the starting rotation. With that in mind, the Marlins might be better off only trading away lesser talented position players or looking exclusively at the free agent market.
Pitchers like Jason Vargas and Andrew Cashner are the level the Marlins will seek. Vargas pitched amazingly in the first half before a poor second half took away from the All-Star season. Regardless of how poorly things ended, he’s someone the Marlins should consider. Cashner has been far more consistent. More importantly, he’s stayed healthy. Unfortunately, his time with the Marlins at the end of 2016 left a bad taste in his mouth and on his facial hair. I only see him returning to Miami if it’s clear big changes are in store.
Next: Giants Third Base Options in 2018
However it’s done, the Marlins cannot enter 2018 without a clear number-one starter in place. Volquez and Chen are not Opening Day starter material. Miami doesn’t need a Cy Young contender on its roster. What it does need is a losing-streak stopper or at least a few more guys who can keep opposing batters at bay.