Miami Marlins release Dan Straily in unexpected move

It is not a surprise that the Miami Marlins released one of their pitchers. It is, however, a surprise that they released Dan Straily.

Although the Miami Marlins are in the midst of yet another rebuilding process, they are still looking to be competitive as soon as possible. However, given that Derek Jeter does not have the patience for an extended rebuilding process, the Marlins are looking to find players that can not only help for the future, but also at the present time.

Given the status of their pitching staff, it is therefore not a surprise that they would make some moves in the rotation. Yet, their decision to release Dan Straily was just that.

If the Marlins were to make such a move, Wei-Yin Chen would have been the most likely candidate to be let go. Since signing his five year, $80 million contract prior to the 2016 campaign, Chen has been a disappointment. Over those three seasons, he has posted a 13-18 record with a 4.75 ERA in just 57 appearances. Chen has also been a disaster during Spring Training, with a 9.37 ERA and a 1.714 WHiP in 16.1 innings, leading to his being banished to the bullpen.

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Instead, this may be a case where money is a deciding factor. Chen has another $42 million guaranteed through next season, whereas the Marlins are only on the hook for $1.25 million by releasing Straily.

Straily, however, was easily the more productive pitcher. He had a 15-15 record in his two seasons in Miami, posting a 4.20 ERA and a 1.299 WHiP in his 304 innings, striking out 269 batters with 112 walks. Straily had struggled during Spring Training as well, but his 5.94 ERA and 1.440 WHiP in 16.2 innings are the stuff of a top of the rotation arm compared to Chen.

The Marlins still have a chance to get something back for Straily. He will not be a free agent until Wednesday, giving the franchise two days to possibly find a trade partner. Given the status of several rotations around the game, Straily could be an upgrade. Then again, he would have been a better option in Miami than someone like Chen.

The decision to release Straily looks even worse when considering the pieces that the Marlins parted with. Cincinnati received a trio of prospects – Luis Castillo, Austin Brice, and Zeek White. Castillo has emerged as a key piece of the Reds future, and the type of power arm the Marlins could use at this point in time.

Instead, the Miami Marlins will hope to get anything back for Dan Straily now that he has been placed on release waivers. Otherwise, his departure will be another indictment against the previous brain trust.