Five Marlins Who Must Be on the Trade Block Ahead of the 2024 Deadline
Unlike last season, the Marlins are sellers this year.
The Miami Marlins are no strangers to selling when the MLB Trade Deadline looms. Year after year, the stronger teams aiming for playoff berths call on southern Florida to strengthen their rosters for October. However, unlike last year when the Marlins were buyers, this season tells a different story.
Last year, the Marlins slipped into the postseason with an 84-78 record but were quickly swept in the Wild Card round by the division rival Philadelphia Phillies. At the trade deadline, they were 57-50, making moves to acquire first baseman Josh Bell and left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers. They also added third baseman Jake Burger and right-handed pitchers Jorge Lopez and David Robertson.
But that was then, and this is now—a very different Marlins team from a year ago.
Miami currently sits at 28-52, one of the worst records in all of MLB. Unlike last year, when they finished third in the National League East, they’re now in last place, 25 games behind the first-place Phillies. They are also near the bottom in the Wild Card race, trailing by 13.5 games. It’s clear that the 2024 season is a lost cause for the Marlins, and it’s reasonable to inform some of their better players that they may need to pack their bags within the next month.
Marlins’ Early Moves
The Marlins have already been proactive in making trades. As MLB entered its second full month of the season, Miami traded their best offensive player, Luis Arraez, to the San Diego Padres. At that point, the team was still at .500 with a 16-16 record. But the Marlins being the Marlins, Arraez was likely just the first of many top players to find a new home this season.
Starting Pitchers Should Be at the Top of the Trade List
Jesus Luzardo has been an early trade candidate since the Marlins became sellers. However, back in May, his ERA was a reasonable 4.18, which has since risen to 5.00, and he holds a 3-6 record. In his last three games, he failed to make it past the sixth inning, giving up a total of 13 earned runs. Adding to the woes, he got injured and was placed on the 60-day injured list, making him unavailable for trade before the deadline.
Other potential trade candidates include left-hander Trevor Rogers and last year’s trade acquisition Ryan Weathers, who is also injured with a strained index finger. Weathers has been the best of the bunch, with a 3.55 ERA in 71 innings pitched and 67 strikeouts. He is expected to return soon as his rehab assignments begin, according to CBS Sports. He’s been out since his June 7 start.
Rogers, nearing a 5.00 ERA (4.90), has pitched 75.1 innings with 60 strikeouts. Recently, he has shown improvement, pitching six or more innings in his last two starts, allowing a combined four earned runs, striking out eight, and walking just one batter.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Should Be on the Move
Jazz Chisholm Jr. was once thought to be the next great centerfielder in baseball. Now, he’s fading into obscurity with the lowly Marlins. Injuries and clubhouse drama have marred his young career, but this season he is healthy and productive, even on a terrible team. He is currently slashing .264/.330/.438 with 10 home runs and 14 stolen bases.
Tanner Scott Will Definitely Be Traded
Tanner Scott, a free agent next season, might be one of the best relievers in baseball, despite playing for the struggling Marlins. He has just 10 saves this season due to the team’s lack of save situations, but his ERA is an impressive 1.59 in 34 innings pitched. While his strikeouts (35) aren’t stellar and his walks (23) are high, any playoff-contending team would want him in their bullpen.
Josh Bell Should Be Traded
Josh Bell, another free agent this winter, is a likely trade candidate. The 31-year-old Marlins first baseman doesn’t have the power he once did, with just eight home runs this year. He is slashing .246/.309/.379. Last season, he hit .270 with an OPS of .818, helping Miami reach the playoffs. He could again be valuable to a contending team, although the Marlins would likely have to absorb about $16 million of his contract.
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