3 center field trade targets for Miami Marlins

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Stop us if you have heard this one before.

The Miami Marlins are looking for a center fielder. It is the same spot they were in during the 2021-22 offseason when they attempted to re-sign Starling Marte and then explored the trade market to bring in that needed fit. Ultimately, none of those plans panned out as the Marlins used a quartet of youngsters to varying degrees of success.

Three trade options for Miami Marlins center fielder opening

In theory, the Marlins should be able to find the pieces they need. They are willing to part with their young pitching, with Pablo Lopez specifically mentioned as a trade candidate. The problem is that there are not many center field options available and the ones that are may not be what the Marlins are specifically looking for.

Who could the Miami Marlins bring in to play center field in 2023? Let’s take a look at three possible options on the trade market.

Adolis Garcia

In theory, Adolis Garcia would be the perfect fit for the Miami Marlins lineup.

He had what could be considered a breakout campaign in 2022, posting a solid .250/.300/.456 batting line with 27 homers and 34 doubles over his 657 plate appearances while stealing 25 bases. Add in the fact that Garcia is under team control for four more years and has yet to reach arbitration and he would be exactly what the Marlins would want.

Garcia also works on the defensive side. While he has graded out better defensively in right, he has more than held his own in center, saving four runs with above average range in his 137 games in the middle of the outfield. As Jorge Soler and Avisail Garcia are both designated hitters masquerading as corner outfielders, having someone with that type of defensive capability is needed.

The problem would be cost. While Garcia might be available, the Rangers are looking to win as soon as possible. If they are going to trade someone who was a key part of their lineup and a dynamic all-around player, the Marlins may end up having to pay more than they would be comfortable with.

Adolis Garcia could be exactly what the Miami Marlins need. He is also likely to be rather costly on the trade front.

Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Michael Taylor

Michael Taylor was the other player specifically mentioned by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald as a trade option for the Miami Marlins.

Taylor is not even close to being an impact bat. His .254/.313/.357 batting line with nine homers and ten doubles over 456 plate appearances was decent enough, but nothing special. However, that also marks his second best showing in his nine years in the majors, making it clear as to why he was viewed as a backup outfielder.

If there is one area where Taylor excels, it is with the glove. The 2021 AL Gold Glove winner in center, he saved 19 runs this season while ranking fourth in putouts and fifth in assists. He would be the defensive piece that the Marlins would need between Avisail Garcia and Jorge Soler, but any offensive upgrades would need to come from that duo returning to their 2021 form.

There is one advantage to pursuing Taylor. He is going to be 32 years old and is in the final year of a two year extension that he signed after the 2021 campaign. The Royals are rebuilding and do have options in the outfield that they could give an opportunity to. Taylor could be the cheapest of any of the viable trade options.

Michael Taylor could help fix the Miami Marlins’ outfield defense. He just would not help in the lineup.

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Ramon Laureano

There has not been much chatter about Ramon Laureano on the trade front.

One can understand why. He struggled last season as he never got on track due to the remaining games from his PED suspension and various injuries. That led to a disappointing .211/.287/.376 batting line in his 383 plate appearances with 13 homers and 18 doubles. Laureano did chip in 11 steals as well, but was caught six times.

Even with that down season, Laureano showed a bit of what he can be – a solid all-around option at the top of a lineup. He would be a perfect buy-low option for the Miami Marlins, someone that they could bring in to solidify center for the next few years without expending a large amount of their prospect capital.

The A’s could even serve as a one stop shop for the Marlins. They could use a catcher as well and Sean Murphy is expected to be on the trade block. The Marlins could make a significant improvement to their lineup in one fell swoop depending on how many prospects they want to give up.

Ramon Laureano has appeared to be a perfect fit for the Miami Marlins for years. Maybe this will be the offseason that deal takes place.

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