3 potential trade targets for Miami Marlins
By David Hill
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.