3 potential trade targets for Miami Marlins

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The idea that the Miami Marlins will be buyers at the trade deadline may seem ludicrous. They are five games under .500 heading into Friday, in fourth place in their division, and 11.5 games behind the Mets. A playoff run does not appear to be in the cards.

But the Marlins are also looking ahead. They know that they have a dominant rotation and are starting to lock players into extensions. However, they also know that they need to supplement that core and add pieces to the lineup as they move forward, fixing those holes and finding players that will be under team control for years to come.

Three potential trade targets for Miami Marlins

Chances are, the Marlins are going to straddle the line between buyers and sellers. They have players that they could part with that are key pieces of the major league roster, but they may look to add as well. It is about 2023 and beyond at this point as the Marlins want to build a sustainable contender.

The Miami Marlins are likely to sell at the deadline, but they could add pieces as well. Let’s look at three possible trade targets.

Ramon Laureano

The Miami Marlins spent most of their offseason attempting to find a center fielder. In the end, they struck out in all of their attempts.

Right now, the Marlins are using Jesus Sanchez in center, a position where he is very badly miscast. It is better than their previous plan of Avisail Garcia, but “better” is not close to an ideal situation. Center should remain a priority for the Marlins moving forward.

Fortunately, the best fit for their roster is still on a selling team. Ramon Laureano is a Gold Glove caliber center fielder, a solid all around contributor who would provide decent pop and speed in addition to his excellent defense. His presence would make a major difference, both in the lineup and defensively.

He would be a perfect fit in other ways as well. The Marlins need another fiery leader on the roster, someone that can help keep Jazz Chisholm in line and allow him to reach his full potential. Laureano would be exactly that.

The Miami Marlins still need a center fielder. Ramon Laureano would make perfect sense.

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David Bednar

The Miami Marlins are in need of a long term solution at closer. It is something that they also spent the offseason attempting to locate, bringing in the likes of Cole Sulser and Tanner Scott in hopes of finding something for the ninth inning.

While Scott and Sulser have been solid enough pieces of the bullpen, neither were able to seize the closer role. Anthony Bender, a breakout reliever last year, had the job at the beginning of the season, but has been shaky. Last year’s closer, Dylan Floro, has been battling injury and has been mediocre at best. Finding a long term answer for the ninth inning will be a major boost for the Marlins as they look to contend.

The Pirates may have the answer. David Bednar has begun to establish himself as a solid closer, having notched ten saves with a 1.24 ERA and a 0.793 WHiP over his 29 innings entering Thursday. Considering that having an excellent closer on the Pirates is akin to an expensive stereo system in a Pinto, it is understandable that trade rumors are swirling about Bednar despite his four remaining years of team control.

Pittsburgh has many holes, especially on the pitching side. That is where the Marlins can step in, as they have the type of young pitching depth that teams can only dream of. They could easily move one of their prospects for a piece such as Bednar without pause while setting themselves up for the present and future.

The Miami Marlins need a set option for the ninth inning. David Bednar would be the piece they have been looking for.

Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

Patrick Wisdom

The Miami Marlins had already been looking for help at the hot corner during the offseason. Brian Anderson’s power has decreased over the past few years, leading to the acquisition of Joey Wendle. However, both players are on the Injured List, and Wendle may be better suited for a utility role than the starting lineup.

The Marlins also clearly need more pop in the lineup. They are in the middle of the pack in homers and OPS, with Jorge Soler and Jazz Chisholm their only power threats that are looked in for the longer term.

An answer could be there for the taking with the Cubs. Patrick Wisdom is a somewhat polarizing player; someone with a great deal of power and the type of srikeout game that is reminiscent of Joey Gallo or Don Quixote’s windmills.However, he also has 12 homers and 13 doubles while playing a respectable third base.

While the Cubs do have several intriguing pitching prospects, they certainly need more arms as they look to come out of their “reloading” process. They may not want to give up a powerful part of the lineup such as Wisdom, but he could be more valuable as a trade chip. That is especially the case if he can bring in the type of arm they need.

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The Miami Marlins need another powerful bat in the lineup. Patrick Wisdom could be exactly that if the Cubs are willing to deal.

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