Miami Marlins: Possible Marcell Ozuna trade destinations

Where could the Miami Marlins consider trading Marcell Ozuna this offseason?

Miami Marlins’ slugger Giancarlo Stanton grabbed headlines this season by smashing 59 home runs. Unfortunately, this took away from the amazing year teammate Marcell Ozuna put together.

Backed by Stanton’s powerful season, Ozuna went on to hit a career high 37 home runs, drive in 124, and put together some other bests all while slashing .312/.376/.548. In his first year as the Marlins’ starting left fielder after swapping with center fielder Christian Yelich, Ozuna crushed his way to the toward the top of this offseason’s trade candidate lists.

As we’ve witnessed in the past, playing well in Miami often buys a ticket out of town. Following the franchise’s 1997 and 2003 World Series victories, the team went into rebuild mode. Although circumstances differed back then, the new ownership led by Derek Jeter do plan to shed lots of salary this offseason. One casualty of this might be Ozuna whose value is now higher than ever.

The fact that Ozuna can play any of the three outfield positions will help his cause. However, it’s his bat catching most of the attention. Justifiably so, anyone who makes such a leap in one year before even reaching his prime years deserves the praise.

Controlled through 2019, any team interested in Ozuna will have the arbitration process assist them in keeping this young star on their roster. For the Marlins, this means a nicer return in a potential trade.

There is a benefit for many teams to consider Ozuna over Stanton. That one main reason is money. Stanton’s contract is astronomical and it includes an opt out clause. He’ll cost an arm with giant biceps and a leg with the best quads you’ve ever seen, possibly only to depart soon thereafter. Ozuna hasn’t played long enough to earn this luxury so the benefit of knowing he’s still there will play a factor.

Some big trades certainly do seem afoot in Miami this winter. Looking at Ozuna, these are three destinations for the blossoming young star.

San Francisco Giants

We all know the San Francisco Giants need help in the outfield. Specifically, they could really use a middle of the order bat. Ozuna fits both of these with the only roadblock being whether or not the Giants have the young talent to acquire him.

The Giants’ offseason search should include finding a left fielder and third baseman. At least one of those positions should bring them a notable free agent. With very little competition for Mike Moustakas, it would make sense for them to pay that man his money and then acquire Ozuna in a less costly trade. Since they are one of baseball’s richer teams, perhaps they’d even be willing to take on Martin Prado’s contract to make everything a little more favorable. Prado could work as a utility man for them. Considering their poor depth, it’s not the worst idea.

J.D. Martinez is going to cost a lot of money this offseason. If the Giants go that direction, they may get stuck with a lesser player at third base. This is a team that must go after a championship once more while they have Madison Bumgarner on the roster. By carefully deciding on where to spend money and where to spend prospects, they can pick themselves up from last place.

Ozuna may not thrive in San Francisco and it’s definitely understandable if his numbers take a dip. Regardless, he’s young and could use the stability of a more experienced team.

Seattle Mariners

How far are the Seattle Mariners willing to go in order to end their playoff drought? After doing quite a bit last summer following an active offseason, I’m guessing they are not ready to give up quite yet.

Felix Hernandez has pitched his whole career without tasting playoff baseball. With all that money they’re paying Robinson Cano, it would be a shame if he doesn’t return in a Mariners’ uniform.

Trading for Ozuna won’t automatically put the Mariners into the playoffs. After all, they’re dealing with a division that includes the World Series Champions. This doesn’t mean they should roll over to the Houston Astros. Seattle needs to use this as an opportunity to make the trade for Ozuna.

I like the idea of the Mariners trading for Ozuna because he brings proven youth to the ball club. While we can appreciate what Ben Gamel, Mitch Haniger, and others brought last season, Ozuna has the longer resume. It never hurts to have depth anyway.

An addition to the outfield is not the only noticeable upgrade the Mariners’ lineup could use. This is a team that should also be in the market for a first baseman. Thanks to a deep class there, they can likely find a good option for rather cheap. Someone like Mark Reynolds might be a nice addition if paired with a halfway decent reserve. That route would then allow them to use any minor league resources they have to complete a trade for Ozuna.