Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
All eyes on the future — again
Marlins will be working phones as MLB trade deadline approaches
MIAMI — Less than 48 hours from the MLB trade deadline, Marlins executives continued to work the phones Monday as Wednesday’s 4 p.m. cut-off draws near.
Clear sellers in the second year of its rebuild, Miami is hoping to leverage its handful of expiring contracts for future assets within the next two days. The Marlins moved quickly this weekend, sending reliever Sergio Romo to the Minnesota Twins for first base prospect Lewin Diaz.
Infielder Neil Walker, second baseman Starlin Castro and outfielder Curtis Granderson will all hit free agency this offseason and could be potential trade pieces. Heading into the home stretch of the deadline, there’s a clear market for late-season buyers. In addition to the 10 MLB teams currently holding playoff spots, eight more are within five games of a postseason berth.
“This time of year there’s playoff teams that are looking to add talent,” Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said on Monday. “We’re in add mode. We’re trying to add championship caliber-talent to this organization.
“We have our group together, so there’s a free-flow of ideas; a number of calls, both in-going and outgoing. We’re just looking at every way possible for us to improve and continue to built toward future championships.”
A key element of that vision is continuing to develop the team’s farm system. When new owner
ship took over in September 2017, the Marlins’ had the 29th rated minor league system, per Baseball America. Since then, Miami has improved to No. 10.
While Miami’s group of expiring contracts are obvious trade candidates, the team has a number of intriguing pitching assets who could become available — if the price is right.
Trevor Richards, who started 20 games before being moved to the bullpen this weekend, could be an enticing option for teams. The 26-year-old righthander has shown plenty of promise in his young major league career and has 51⁄2 years of club control.
In addition, 29-year-old reliever Nick Anderson has impressed during his rookie season, posting the sixthbest strikeout rate among National League relievers. Hill indicated it would require a significant return for the Marlins to part ways with their controllable young assets.
Despite the Marlins making just one move so far, that could easily change in the next two days. Unlike previous years, July 31 will be the hard deadline to acquire players via trade. In the past, teams could deal players up until Aug. 31 if they cleared waivers.
“It will continue to increase as we get closer to Wednesday, Hill said. “We’re a deadline-oriented industry and the deadline sort of forces the hands of organizations looking to change the complexions of their teams.
“This is the only opportunity any team is going to have before the end of the season to add talent and I think from everyone’s standpoint, whether you’re in it or not, you’re looking to do what you can to help your organization.”
Last season, the Marlins made two deadline day trades, sending reliever Brad Ziegler to the Arizona Dimaondbacks and outfielder Cameron Maybin to the Seattle Mariners. In return, Miami acquired a pair of prospects — RHP Tommy Eveld and second baseman Bryson Brigman — and $250K of international bonus pool money. During the waiver period, the Marlins traded first baseman Justin Bour to the Philadelphia Phillies for pitching prospect McKenzie Mills.