The Miami Marlins have a major dilemma – what to do with Wei-Yin Chen.
It is safe to say that the Wei-Yin Chen Era has not gone as planned for the Miami Marlins. Signed to a five year deal worth $80 million, Chen was expected to help pick up some of the slack in the rotation from the untimely passing of Jose Fernandez. Instead, Chen has battled through injury and ineffectiveness, making a combined 35 appearances in his first two seasons in Miami.
Then came Chen’s performance in Spring Training. He posted a 9.37 ERA and a 1.714 WHiP in his 16.1 innings. He issued only three walks, but also struck out only eight batters while allowing 25 hits. His struggles cost him a spot in the rotation, making Chen an extremely expensive long reliever.
However, even in that role, he has been a complete disaster. In his five outings spanning seven innings, Chen has allowed 14 runs on 15 hits and six walks. He has struck out eight batters, but has also allowed five homers.
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The idea was that Chen could serve as valuable depth on the Marlins pitching staff, capable of eating innings should the young rotation struggle. Likewise, in the event of injury, he would be able to slide right into the rotation, taking the ball every fifth day until that pitcher returns.
At least, that was the plan. Instead, Chen has been a complete disaster this season. On a team that is looking for pieces for the future, Chen is obviously not that. Likewise, given his injury history and lack of production, he is utterly untradeable at this point. The Marlins may as well have lit that $80 million on fire.
Right now, Chen is a sunk cost. He will remain on the roster until there is a better option, or if he implodes often enough for Derek Jeter and Company to decide to cut bait and eat that contract. While there may still be the hope in Marlins circles that they can get some value from Chen, that may not happen any time soon.
The Miami Marlins have no choice but to see if Wei-Yin Chen can turn his season around. If not, it might be time to consider moving on entirely.