The Miami Marlins are in an enviable position in one aspect. They have plenty of starting pitching, and with more top pitching prospects on the cusp of reaching the majors, actually have more arms than they need. However, despite that pitching, they have struggled as they do not have the bats needed to contend.
That may change this offseason. The Marlins are considering trading from their surplus of starters, not only opening a spot for the next young arm, but to potentially improve their lineup.
Trade market note: The #Marlins have three starters in the 3+ service time class — Alcántara, López, Hernández — and sources say the team is considering whether to trade one in order to clear a rotation spot for the next young starter in 2022. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 9, 2021
Miami Marlins could take advantage of pitching surplus
Of the trio named, Sandy Alcantara may be the biggest longshot to be traded. Both he and the Marlins are optimistic that a long term deal can be hammered out in the near future. As Alcantara would be a long term option, as well as the current staff ace, his being dealt seems to be a longshot.
But that does not mean that the Marlins would not have potential impact arms on the market. Elieser Hernandez has battled injuries over the past two seasons, but has been a solid middle of the rotation arm when healthy. He has posted a 3.84 ERA and a 1.216 WHiP over his 77.1 innings, striking out 87 batters with 19 walks.
Pablo Lopez, meanwhile, has a better track record of being able to take the mound. He has posted a 3.26 ERA and a 1.144 WHiP over his 160 innings, striking out 174 batters with 44 walks. Lopez has also done an impressive job at keeping the ball in the yard, allowing just 15 homers in that time.
Of that trio, the Marlins would likely be looking to move Hernandez first. However, he may not result in the type of the return that the Marlins would want given his injury history. He may be a buy-low candidate, but could bring back a similarly talented player who has also been snakebitten and needs a change of scenery.
The Miami Marlins have a surplus of pitching. It makes sense that they would be looking to move some of their arms to improve the lineup.