Miami Marlins Trade Block: Some names tougher to deal than others
By Tim Boyle
The Miami Marlins trade block includes just about everyone making more than the league minimum. Unfortunately for these fire-sellers, not everyone is easy to deal.
Hopefully, you haven’t invested in too many Miami Marlins jerseys with a name on the back. The new ownership has traded reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton and fellow star outfielders, Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich, this winter. Second baseman Dee Gordon will also suit up for another team in 2018, leaving the Marlins in a disastrous state. Likely, it gets even worse.
Several current Marlins have already voiced their displeasure with management. Catcher J.T. Realmuto wants out. Newly acquired infielder Starlin Castro is hopeful he doesn’t play a game for the Marlins. One has to believe that others feel the same way.
Trading away Stanton and the rest of the ex-Marlins was relatively easy because of the interest. Other Marlins players aren’t as easy to move.
The Miami Marlins Trade Block
Among those remaining on the Miami Marlins, J.T. Realmuto probably has the most value. The young catcher has hit well in his MLB career. Unfortunately, there isn’t a massive market for catchers. Although the Washington Nationals are a great fit and a team showing interest, they have other options. There’s no reason why the Nationals should overpay for prospects when Jonathan Lucroy is still available in free agency.
A spot should eventually open up for Realmuto somewhere even if it takes until mid-season. The same is true for Starlin Castro, although there are already fits for him. The New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers are two specific organizations that could use a second baseman. However, the same roadblock appears. Free agent Neil Walker has yet to sign, leaving the Marlins in stalemate status.
Realmuto and Castro are the easy guys to trade. Someone like Justin Bour would be nearly impossible to move. This is because the market for first basemen is deep and Bour isn’t a superstar. If Eric Hosmer is having this much trouble finding a new home, the Marlins will struggle to get back a nice return for Bour.
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A similar argument can be made for starting pitcher Dan Straily. As one of the few reliable pitchers on the Marlins, Straily is someone who would probably prefer playing for another city in 2018. After giving up 31 home runs in each of the last two seasons, I have a tough time believing too many teams would risk taking on his tight-rope walking style of pitching.
Finally, there’s the rest of the pitchers to consider. Relievers Junichi Tazawa and Brad Ziegler are coming off terrible campaigns and not a fit for many organizations. No one else on the pitching staff looks too desirable, giving the Marlins with only a few more trade possibilities in their arsenal.
Perhaps the hardest player to trade, veteran third baseman Martin Prado is owed $28.5 million over the next two seasons. The 12-year-veteran is coming off a bad year in which he played in only 37 games. Including these factors, the Marlins are likely stuck with him through the end of his contract.
Next: No reason to overpay for J.T. Realmuto
What will the Miami Marlins do next? Do they have another move in them or will these tradable assets remain on the roster for what should be an unexciting Opening Day?