With one of the better farm systems in the MLB, the Miami Marlins are looking to take advantage of the trade market while they can. According to reports, the team is seeking another established pitcher to join their starting rotation as well as a power hitter to join the middle of the lineup.
When Giancarlo Stanton inked his 13-year, $325 million contract many believed the deal was going to handicap the Marlins financially. However, when it was disclosed that Stanton would only be making an average of $17.83 million in the first six seasons, the Marlins noted the slugger agreed such terms because he wanted the team to have financial flexibility in the near future. In the final seven years of his deal he'll be making an average salary just over $31 million.
Miami has only $22 million committed to next year's payroll and they're reportedly working on contract extensions for outfielder Christian Yelich, starting pitcher Jose Fernandez and shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria. They've already attempted to sign first baseman Adam LaRoche to a two-year, $20 million contract, but he signed with the Chicago White Sox for $5 million more. The Marlins are now apparently turning to the trade market since the free-agent market is littered with overly expensive players. They can at least use their deep farm system in an attempt to acquire big names.
These notable players include starting pitcher David Price, starting pitcher Rick Porcello, first baseman Chris Davis and catcher/outfielder Evan Gattis. According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, the Marlins have contacted the Detroit Tigers about the availability of Price or Porcello, but nothing is significant at this point. The addition of another starter alongside Fernandez and Henderson Alvarez would do wonders for the rotation and could thrust them into contention for an NL East title. The back end of the rotation with Jarred Cosart, Nathan Eovaldi and Tom Koehler was solid in 2014 as well.
Overall, the Marlins had a pretty solid season thanks to the success of Stanton, Yelich, Hechavarria, third baseman Casey McGehee and outfielder Marcell Ozuna. The problem is they'll need one more power bat if they really want their offense to be effective in terms of scoring runs, which is why they are interested in acquiring either Chris Davis or Evan Gattis, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Luckily for Miami these are attainable goals.
Davis disappointed the Baltimore Orioles after he was suspended 25 games for Adderall use in the middle of a pennant race, which forced him to miss the playoffs. And after batting .196 in 2014, there's a good chance Baltimore would be willing to trade him since Steve Pearce has shown he can be effective at first base. But Davis' power is something the Marlins can use and they might be able to get him on the cheap. The lefty cranked 112 home runs and 295 RBIs over the past three seasons in Baltimore.
As for Gattis, Atlanta Braves president of baseball operations John Hart has made it clear who is on the trading block, and the catcher/outfielder is one of them. With Christian Bethancourt ready to play catcher in the big leagues and Justin Upton in left field for now, the team has little use for Gattis because they don't have a DH position in the NL. So unless they move Upton and can make room for Gattis in the outfield, then Atlanta will likely look to trade him and get value. With the Marlins deep farm system, I'm sure Hart can make it work if he wanted to.
The Marlins are expected to be active for the remainder of the offseason, so we'll be keeping an eye on any developments that may come out of this speculation.
