July 2, 9:14pm: The Marlins are placing an “extremely high” ask on Barraclough, in particular, per MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro. Indeed, he hears that the Miami organization is “basically looking for another club’s top prospect, or among their top prospects” in any swap involving the young hurler. The report suggests that Conley is the “most realistic” candidate to be moved among the three hurlers discussed below.
Unsurprisingly, multiple teams are poking around on the Marlins’ relievers. The Indians are among the contenders with some interest, per Jon Heyman of Fancred (via Twitter).
1:22pm: The Red Sox have also been in contact with the Marlins about their late-inning relievers, Morosi writes today. While Boston is set to at last welcome Tyler Thornburg to its bullpen, the team is nonetheless exploring contingency options, per the report. More generally, it stands to reason that the majority of contenders will at least explore the possibility of adding an arm such as Barraclough, Steckenrider or (to a lesser extent, given the shorter track record in the ’pen) Conley.
Any from that group would be an upgrade over virtually any team’s seventh- or eighth-best reliever at the very least, and deep bullpens are paramount to success in postseason play.
July 1: The Dodgers have “had preliminary dialogue” with the Marlins about some of Miami’s top bullpen arms, says Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com. That list of relievers includes Kyle Barraclough, Drew Steckenrider and Adam Conley.
While Morosi’s sources have been careful to note that no deal is close at this time, there’s certainly a good fit between the two clubs. The Dodgers’ bullpen actually ranks fourth in MLB with a combined WPA of 26.06, but has recently seen Tony Cingrani, Pedro Baez and Josh Fields hit the disabled list (as Morosi himself notes).The bridge to closer Kenley Jansen appears particularly weak, with Erik Goeddel and Scott Alexander currently working in setup roles. The Dodgers are certainly contenders for the NL Pennant, sitting just 3.5 games back of the division-leading Diamondbacks. And of course, the Marlins aren’t serious competitors for a spot in the playoffs this season.
There’s certainly no rush for the Marlins to trade any of the above players, as all three have yet to even qualify for arbitration eligibility. Conley and Barraclough will remain under club control through 2021, while Steckenrider is controllable for another two seasons beyond that. At the same time, though, the Marlins aren’t seen as likely to do much winning over the next three or four years; they’re mired in a full teardown that began this offseason with trades of Dee Gordon, Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna. Trading Barraclough and Conley in particular could make a lot of sense if they’re able to net some young talent who could contribute during their next contending season.
Of the aforementioned hurlers, Barraclough seems likely to bring back the most hefty return. The righty has been a revelation this season, pitching to a sub-1.00 ERA with a typically high 4.21 BB/9 and a K/9 of 9.66. Since stepping into the closer role for the Marlins earlier this year, he’s converted all seven save opportunities and has yet to allow a run. Barraclough (along with Steckenrider) has already been connected to the Indians this offseason.
For what it’s worth, the Dodgers have one of the best farm systems in baseball, with MLB.com ranking them tenth out of 30 MLB teams. While it seems unlikely that they’d part with top prospects Alex Verdugo or Keibert Ruiz in a trade for one of the aforementioned Marlins arms, it’s worth noting that elite prospects have changed hands in recent years when a top-flight reliever becomes available, and the sheer amount of team control left on the contracts of Barraclough, Steckenrider and Conley could prove an enticing reason to consider all possible angles.
xabial
Remember all the doom and gloom surrounding the Dodgers poor start? Look at them now
Just sayin’ never say never in this game.
thegreatcerealfamine
Second place 3 games back and 1/2 game in front of the Giants. They were almost swept by the Rockies, not exactly tearing it up.
xabial
Yeah, but a huge step up when people were talking about Roberts’ job securty, and they weren’t going to make the playoffs. At one point they were 16-26 after swept by CIN, and losing 2/3 games to MIA.
Now look at them: 44-39, 3 games back NL West.
thegreatcerealfamine
“weren’t going to make the playoffs” unless they win that division they probably won’t. It’s more like look what the Giants are doing.
xabial
3.0 games back July 1, is anybody’s division.
xabial
My point is poor starts mean nothing Lol
You saw how many Dodger fans were calling for Friedman’s head?
Admit was cynical of them making a comeback from that horrendous start. Fascinating to see.
LAD is good team on paper, but ground they covered, made me take all poor starts from underachieving teams, even less seriously.
thegreatcerealfamine
Look at these down votes, I guess Dodgers fans are brutal about some criticism. You were complimenting them though, oh well.
Kenleyfornia74
I have the app so i have no idea how any voting goes but your constantly ripping the Dodgers from what i have seen.
majorflaw
“I guess Dodgers fans are brutal about some criticism.”
Perhaps it was personal. Folks who complain about down votes tend to attract more downvotes. Just my own observation.
Still don’t understand why anyone would care about ratings at this site. Ratings can’t hide a bad comment, make an insightful comment more prominent nor ban or suspend a user. No idea why they bother with ratings here as it accomplishes literally nothing. I’m on an iPad, using the MLBTR app, I never see ratings and never rate comments. Strongly suspect I am better off for it. YMMV.
thegreatcerealfamine
“”but your constantly ripping the Dodgers from what I’ve seen” there’s been been a few times I’ve commented on the Dodgers. One being when Kershaw was activated, and in no way did I rip him. The second I stuck up for Matt Kemp as a player, vs all who constantly degrade the guy. The posts on here aren’t what I’d call ripping, so don’t invent things Kenley.
thegreatcerealfamine
It was kind of support for the X-man. I to am on an IPad. I hate the app with the ads.
juanpaolo
Yes he is either jealousy or he needs a life
jerseyjoehaven
Marlins could put a death hold on 5th he Dodgers by asking for at least one of the Dodgers top prospects if not both. Do the trade now and the Dodgers might jump at it even at the cost.
majorflaw
“It was kind of support for the X-man.”
Understood, in that context. But it took me months to convince x not to ever mention ratings. Appeared to have taken hold. He’s been posting substantive comments while ignoring ratings and naysayers. All was good, tgcf. And then: “Look at these down votes.”
Recognize this was intended as support but sometimes a little ‘tough love’ is in order. Methinks one of us poking our nose into a thread is sufficient notice to all concerned.
ElectricEddie
They play in the weakest division
Anything can happen
Many good players but no great ones except Clayton
No reason to give up any real top prospects
Wait til next year. They aren’t winning this year anyway
realgone2
The Braves need to be looking at reliever trades. Their pen sucks
tim815
Are they willing to trade pieces with upside to get them?
realgone2
Probably not
Marlins#1
Marlins get:dennis santana rp, yadier alvarez rp, will smith c, cristian santana 3b,
Dodgers get barraclough
dodgerskingsfan
dennis santana is hurt now…. and jeter has said he wants low level prospects for his players in trade…. their farm is barren
Mjm117
He’s never said that lmao
Steven Chinwood
I don’t know where you got that from, but Derek Jeter definitely didn’t say that anywhere.
jbigz12
Lol. They traded their best two trade assets for guys who are currently in the bigs. And two more guys playing in AA. (Alcantra and Brinson & Diaz and Harrison for those at home counting)
SuperSinker
Four legitimately interesting prospects for a right handed reliever? Pass.
Marlins#1
A sub1 era controlled through 2021. Hes playing better than jansen this season at pennys to the dollar. Barraclough is not coming cheap. It might not be that package but it wont be far off.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Well that’s not necessarily true. The peripherals suggest he’s somewhat out-pitched his era by a significant margin. They’ve also suggest well Jansen has been better especially with Barraclough’s control issues and type of contact, but yes we know the control results have not been an issue as of late. I don’t think there’s any suggesting Barraclough hasn’t been pretty damn good, but that’s a pretty unrealistic package especially when you try to throw Will Smith in there. Alvarez and the Santana’s yes maybe I can see. In all these feel like two organizations that can fill each other’s needs, but I have a hard time seeing something happening.
Marlins#1
Im not going to argue dodger prospects because i suspect you know them better than i do, but if barclaugh has turned the corner for good then hes a shut down closer. Hes been so good that i was shocked he gave up a bloop single although not in a save situation his last outing. If marlins added steckinrider would the trade be more realistic?
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
I’m not sure tbh. That’s a good question. I don’t think the Dodgers attempt to deal for more than one. I feel as though they need a late inning guy and maybe a LOOGY, depending on the health of Cingrani. It feels as though they may have a plethora of RH back end options when they transition Maeda, Strip, and/or Buehler. To me the fact that this got out seems more so someone wanted teams to know the Dodgers we’re doing due diligence.
I can see them willing to move guys like Alvarez, Santana, Diaz, Rios, Sheffield, & Wong etc. I’m just not sure one they expend an utterly substantial package for two guys in the same package unless the Marlins take some potential quantity. The reason I say this is because of the major roster crunch they will be experiencing this coming offseason. So they have some pretty good close to ready mlb prospects that don’t really have a spot. I just don’t know if they have a want to trade Smith.
marlins17
Yeah im a Marlins fan and no way we get that kind of package for any of our relievers ha. I would love Santana/Will Smith/Gavin Lux for Barraclough but even thats a reach
dbacksrs
$$$ talks. If you can’t earn your division, buy it!
Kenleyfornia74
Ya the Dodgers who made a point of not spending any money this offseason are buying the division. lol
puigpower
Or blow your wad on Grienke.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Is that what the Dbacks did with JD Martinez last year? Were they trying to buy a division or were they attempting to fortify their team for a playoff run. When the Dbacks inevitably make a trade to supplement their pen are they buying a division? If they try to obtain Machado are they buying it? I guess not, because you’re a Dbacks fan. What are you talking about? Heck, I’m pretty sure this FO isn’t even going to go after any of the top FAs this year, unless Kershaw opts out. That’s not even good trolling. They spent barely any money on FAs. Their big move this offseason was Tom Koehler. They’re going really big to buy the division this year.
jerseyjoehaven
Marlins could put a death hold on 5th he Dodgers by asking for at least one of the Dodgers top prospects if not both. Do the trade now and the Dodgers might jump at it even at the cost.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Yeah, Ruiz is not getting moved. He’s going to be pretty much untouchable. I highly doubt Verdugo is getting moved. Although it’d be interesting, because the Dodgers are going to experience a major roster crunch this offseason so it feels like there would be pieces that match especially with some of the skill sets the Marlins sought out in summer trades. That being said I get back to this FO’s basic maneuvering past, if you’ve heard about it it probably was just due diligence and nothing more.
azcrook
Don’t count out the Giants yet!!!
ludafish
I really hope they only do one of these trades if the haul is ridiculous. Since taking Ziegler off the closers role we have had one of the best bullpens. Steckenrider’s numbers are very skewed because for some reason he is the worst against the Braves, without hos Braves games he back to an ERA around 1.80 looking way better, Bear Claw has always had good stuff and could always get outs, even though he walked the world but this season he has started throwing slower and using his changeup more than ever. With these new moves its possible his numbers are sustainable. Then Conley has been absolutely lights out in the bullpen. He has had some very good success in the past as a starter. This off season they changed his grip on the ball and his average FB velocity is up to 95. I would still like him to start again since we dont have much better options
Anyway ive typed too much but as someone who actually watches Marlins games i can see how valuable these three arms are and they are worth more than most people know. Especially the season Bear Claw is having so far. Unless they they give us some real amazing pieces i much rather keep these guys around for a couple years while we try tio improve.
formerlyz
Trade Marmol. Let someone stupid give up assets for him. He should have been gone last year. Keep Conley and Steckenrider for now
ludafish
Oh man it took me a moment but great call using a marmol reference. I guess you’re right they should sell as high on them now as they can there’s a good chance that Conley has a brighter future as he was a successful starter at one point at least. And Steck is Young and has been really good against anyone that aren’t the Braves the two of them could head the back of the bullpen for years to come.
John Shaw
I really hope we trade for Barraclough, we need a set up man bad
xD2V
Ultimately what it comes down to is that the Marlins are in no need of trading any of these relievers unless if they are receiving the return that they desire. With all the years of control left on these arms, the upside, and the dominance they’ve shown this year.. they won’t be traded unless if they’re getting a great return. That simple.
Marlins#1
Im not going to argue dodger prospects because i suspect you know them better than i do, but if barclaugh has turned the corner for good then hes a shut down closer. Hes been so good that i was shocked he gave up a bloop single although not in a save situation his last outing. If marlins added steckinrider would the trade be more realistic?
Marlins#1
Red sox farm system is lame, bryan mata would be involved in any trade but much rather trade with dodgers
JimboBob
Probably more productive to start lengthy talks with the Marlins who are strongly inclined to move these vs teams with lofty demands (Padres with Hand) or teams difficult to get a deal worked out with (Orioles with Britton)
bradthebluefish
The Marlins also traded away Christian Yelich amid their rebuild.
fishman2411
My ideal trade: Julio Urias and Will smith for Claw.
Dodgers fortify their bridge to Kanley, stay below the luxury tax with a controllable reliever, and don’t part with current elite prospects (White is blocked by Ruiz and Barnes, Urias is a huge question mark health wise)
Marlins get a legit lottery ticket in Urias and their catcher of the future in White. If one of them pans out, you get plenty of suplus value. Even if Urias settles in as a reliever and White as a backup catcher, odds are you’ll come out fine.
Cam
Why would the Dodgers trade Urias at his lowest point? That makes zero sense.
fishman2411
It’s the same logic as any other contender trade of prospects: Trade someone who is unlikely to help you win now for someone who is likely to help you now.
andrewgauldin
I don’t think Jeter and Co. think they will “come out fine” if their return of Urias and Smith just become a reliever and backup catcher. Smith would need to be their starter for years, and Urias as at least a number 3, or a lights out reliever like Andrew Miller is. Then and only then, will the marlins be okay with how they came out.
fishman2411
True about Jeter and Co, but in reality, it would be fine. Barraclough has a career high WAR of 1.4 in season (although he is on pace to surpass it this year).. You don’t need 2 game changers to come out ahead in a trade for a good reliever
Bruin1012
The Red Sox should pass they don’t have enough for Barraclaugh and he walks to many to give up what the Marlins seem to want for him. He has way outperformed his peripherals and seems like he is to expensive. Hope the Red Sox pass seems like a moot point though Sox probably don’t have what the Marlins want for him.
Marlins#1
The red sox dont have anything anyone wants.
Michael Birks
Except maybe the most wins in baseball
Marlins#1
And a first round exit
Michael Birks
The Marlins would give anything for a first round exit
Michael Birks
And more than 5000 fans at their home games
Marlins#1
Lol, i watch em most days maybe next year ill go. Idk if marlins would be happy with a first round exit. I love the red sox lineup but there pitching is a question mark. ( why i think their a 1st round exit) and the farm system is really bad.
Bruin1012
Marlins#1 i am simply hoping that DD doesn’t fixate. I just think that there are better options for the Red Sox. Barraclaugh has far out pitched his peripherals and it sounds like the Marlins want a lot for him. Impossible to know how he will pitch in the Al East pressure cooker and they would have to give up a lot from a weak farm system to get him just saying hope DD passes when it’s all said and done. The Sox bullpen has been pretty good and I really don’t see it as a weakness. Any team can be one and done in the playoffs the key is at least getting to the table.
Marlins#1
The red sox starting pitching is the issue and for them to get a legitimate game 3 starter is going to cost them an arm and a leg so they will probably turn to acquiring shut down relievers. The reason barraclaugh is so expensive besides being the pitcher of the month in june is that hes controlled thru 2021 and money is not an issue for the marlins to trade him. To get him the red sox will have to take on a bad contract since their farm is so weak.
Bruin1012
The Red Sox starting pitching is fine. David Price has a ton of trouble pitching in New York but other then that has been solid. If anything they will add a bullpen arm. There starters have been among the best In the game this year not worried there at all.
Marlins#1
The beautiful thing about baseball is that we will find out. Good luck this season
therealryan
Any team that trades their top prospects for Barraclough is going to regret that move. His sparkling ERA is being completely propped up by a .120 BaBIP, 89% LOB% and 6.7% HR/FB. He is a FB/SL pitcher who has seen his velocity drop over 2 MPH over the past 2 seasons. That has coincided with his SwStr% drop from 13.8%-12.3% and his K%-BB% drop from 22.6% to 14.6% over that same time. Why the Dodgers would want to give up top prospects for him when they have his clone already on the roster in Pedro Baez is beyond me.
User 589131137
….contract the Marlins now. They’re nothing more than a league-wide farm-system who have no real interest in contention. I’m tired of this garbage.
Mjm117
No.