Shortly after it was reported that the Blue Jays had a two-year, $15MM deal in place with Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald relayed that the Marlins were “down the road with IKF but not at 2/15.” He added that the club may have to use Jon Berti and other internal options to cover the shortstop position, with the club not strongly linked to any big free agent, though a trade is still possible.
The reality is that there is no big free agent shortstop this winter for them to be linked to. There are some guys out there, though each with obvious shortcomings. The trade market is somewhat similar. But with their internal options headlines by Berti, Vidal Bruján and Jacob Amaya, it makes sense for the Marlins to still be casting out their net. Let’s take a look at where the Fish can go from here, with just six weeks to go until Spring Training kicks off.
Free Agents
It’s well-known that Anderson is coming off a dreadful season. He hit just one home run in 123 games and produced a line of .245/.286/.296. His wRC+ of 60 was dead last among qualified hitters last year. His defensive metrics also took a tumble, leading to a negative WAR tally at both FanGraphs and Baseball Reference. Taking a shot on Anderson would be a bet that he was held back by a knee injury in 2023 and will bounce back to his previous form. From 2019 to 2022, he hit .318/.347/.473 for a wRC+ of 123 with some passable glovework in there as well.
Rosario is somewhat similar to Anderson, as he is coming off a down year but looks better with a wider view. From 2019 to 2022, he hit .282/.315/.412 for a wRC+ of 101, though his defense wasn’t terribly well regarded in that time. His bat dropped off in 2023, though not as far as Anderson’s. He ultimately hit .263/.305/.378 between the Guardians and Dodgers for a wRC+ of 88. The latter club utilized him at second base and he seemed to post better results there, so perhaps he’ll be viewed as more of a second baseman going forward.
Outside of a blip in 2022, Andrus has been subpar at the plate for quite a while but his defense continues to be strong. He got into 112 games for the White Sox last year, spending more time at second base but 404 innings at short, producing four Outs Above Average in that time. Though he hit just .251/.304/.358 for a wRC+ of 81, he was still worth 1.1 fWAR on the year thanks to his speed and defense. Having signed for just $3MM last winter, he should be fairly cheap again this offseason.
Urshela is decent at the plate, having hit .281/.323/.415 over the past three seasons for a wRC+ of 106. He’s also a solid defender but has never been more than a part-time option at shortstop. He had just 359 career innings at the position, with subpar grades for that small sample of work.
Others
There are plenty of other free agents who can play shortstop, but it’s hard to envision any of them getting an everyday job there. Each of Brandon Crawford, Kevin Newman, Nick Ahmed, Ehire Adrianza, Luis Guillorme, Enrique Hernández, Adalberto Mondesí, Yu Chang and Kevin Smith are available, but each is either coming off a poor season or is best served as a utility/bench option.
Trade Market
Adames is perhaps the best player listed in this post, regularly combining 25-homer power with strong defense, but it’s hard to imagine the Marlins prying him loose from Milwaukee. He’s an impending free agent and is projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for a salary of $12.4MM. That makes it speculatively possible that the Brewers are open to moving him, but then they would be left with a shortstop vacancy of their own, which would put them in the same tricky spot the Marlins are in now. For a low-spending club like the Marlins that needs a strong prospect pipeline to succeed, it’s unlikely they would part with significant prospects for a rental.
Kim is somewhat similar to Adames, as he’s a good player but a rental. He’s hit .256/.338/.391 over the past two seasons and has been great in the field, allowing him to produce 8.1 fWAR in that span. The Padres are running a tight budget but Kim has a CBT hit of just $7MM and they have infield questions. Manny Machado had elbow surgery in October and may need to miss some of the start of the season or at least slot into a DH role for a while. That could leave Kim covering third with Jake Cronenworth at second until Machado comes back, moving Kim back to second and Cronenworth to first.
Farmer is a glove-first utility guy that generally grades out well at shortstop. He’s hit .258/.316/.402 over the past three years for a wRC+ of 94. He has over 2,000 innings at shortstop in his career, with a -1 DRS, 0.7 UZR and +3 OAA. The Twins tended him a contract for 2024 with a projected salary of $6.6MM, but they are looking to cut payroll this year due to their broadcast situation. Their infield is loaded with Carlos Correa, Royce Lewis, Edouard Julien, Jorge Polanco and Alex Kirilloff set for regular roles and prospect Brooks Lee charging hard from the minors. Without Farmer, they would still have Willi Castro and Nick Gordon for bench/utility roles and José Miranda in the minors as depth. Like Adames and Kim, he’s a rental, but should be more attainable.
Espinal seems somewhat redundant as a depth/utility player now that the Jays have IKF on the roster. Espinal hit .282/.340/.382 over 2021 and 2022 for a wRC+ of 105 and received strong grades at the three infield positions to the left of first base. He hasn’t played too much shortstop but that’s mostly because the Jays have had Bo Bichette locked in there. Espinal is coming off a down year at the plate, however, having hit .248/.310/.335 in 2023 for a wRC+ of 80. He’s projected for an arbitration salary of $2.5MM and has two extra years of control beyond this one.
The Orioles are loaded with infield talent, with 2024 likely to see a left side of Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday, which will squeeze out Mateo. He has hit just .223/.270/.363 in his career for a wRC+ of 77 but has stolen 30-plus bases in each of the past two years. He’s also considered a great defender at short, having grades of 15 DRS, 8 OAA and 9.1 UZR in his career. He will make $2.7MM this year and can be retained for one more arbitration season after that.
Guardians
The Guardians have a high number of shortstop-capable players on their roster, including Brayan Rocchio, Gabriel Arias, Juan Brito, Tyler Freeman, Angel Martínez and José Tena all in the mix. Andrés Giménez could also be on that list, though he’s likely to be the everyday second baseman. They may be willing to part with someone from that group, depending on who they believe will eventually take the job in Cleveland.
Hell no to Tim Anderson
Ray – Agreed! A much, much better fit would be Story. He’s an All-Star, plays both 2B and SS at a Gold Glove level, and he is the best hitter in baseball when he goes on his usual hot streaks.
He also runs fast, has a lot of energy, and is a great athlete. All it would take is for the Marlins to give up one of their Top 4 starting pitchers while absorbing Story’s entire contract, easy peasy.
Lol Story isn’t worth a top Marlins pitcher especially at his salary and him being injured the past 2 years.
The “absorbing Story’s entire contract” should have been the giveaway that Fever was not serious.
If the Marlins want Story, they can have him. But he has negative trade value right now. Sox aren’t gonna get any of Miami’s starters back for him unless they pay all or most of his salary AND include at least one of their top prospects in the deal.
Haha
Nice trolling Fever. To take on Story at full pay, the trade would have to be structured to include Mookie’s children…oh they lost those “Bird rights”…lol
Fever is getting to your head
Fish might trade a lesser pitcher for Ceddane Rafaela, they would not want Story and his contract.
Not mentioned but the Bucs have a glut of middle infielders
Not sure why the Yankees were not mentioned either. They could really use one of those Marlin starters and have Peraza to offer. I wonder which starter the Marlins would be willing to part with if the Yankees offered both Peraza and Spencer Jones in the deal. I still think Peraza will have the better overall career than Volpe but Volpe is entrenched at SS now. Torres has proven to be a solid 2nd baseman with a good bat. It would make more sense to resign him and offer Peraza up in a trade for a good solid starter.
Tim Anderson is worth a flyer on a one year deal. He will be highly motivated to perform well. He’s just one season removed from representing the US in the WBC and his manager spoke highly of what a team first guy he was.
Agreed but I am betting TA would prefer a pillow contract with an AL team. Any hope he has on a lengthy contract will rely on his performance next year. If I was him I would do my best to stay in the league with the pitchers I am more familiar with. I thought the Royals would be all over him. Seems like the type of player they woukd chase on a one year deal and TA would stay in the division he knows. Then the Royals trade him at the deadline and he either shines in a playoff run or falls on his face.
My guess is they’ll sign TA and be disappointed.
My guess is they’ll be overjoyed at what Anderson will produce. He’s a terrific hitter when right, and his glove is passable. He will likely be relatively inexpensive, given his need to overcome the doubts surrounding him from a dreadful season in 2023.
Down (south) goes Anderson!
So that’s your measure of the man?
*you’re
* your
Cronenworth plays an excellent SS, maybe he’s more available than Ha-Seong!
Sold for Alcantara + $30MM!
For Cronenworth….hard to see the money moving that way if it’s Kim that was moved to Miami.
But maybe you were joking? Not being a Marlin fan-not sure about this-but is Bendix more in owner-mandated payroll reduction mode?
With Jeter and Ng leaving there were questions to that. Maybe Marlins fans can shine a light?
It was a joke. Padres’ fans have soured on Cronenworth. Sandy and his remaining contract is a solid keeper even if he can’t pitch in 2024.
Yankee – not all Padres fans have soured on Cro. We have to accept his playing out of position last year (team player is call it) and he had a down year which in some instances, players in the past have been given a pass due to a switch.
Ask me again this time next year but for now, I expect him to be at least a 1.5 WAR player which will justify his salary.
I mentioned Kim for a trade because I think he will ultimately be traded at the deadline of Padres are out of it.
No doubt his trade value is higher than Cro right now.
Yes, a lot of Padre fans are down on him but I think prematurely.
Agreed. He didn’t provide the surplus value that fans were hoping for but he does give the Padres’ some performance certainty and a floor which was last season.
With Merrill in the wings and the apparently not planning to contend in 2024 (at least not trying hard to put best team possible on the field), I’d be ok with a HSK trade for the right SP return.
Personally, I think they hold him until deadline though.
It all depends on how much they believe in Merrill (and/or Eguy who can fill in at 3b for the first month) to open the season at MLB.
The Reds have more shortstops in their system than Carter has peanuts. Jose Barrero might actually be DFAed to make room for Montas as well. Just saying.
A Jimmy Carter joke?
As a genX, I remember those cartoons (pre-meme era for some who are confused) from back in the day……Pretty brutal.
Nope – that old saying has nothing to do with Jimmy Carter. It even pre-dates him, because my dad used to say it and he died in his 90s 10 years ago!
Reference to Planters Peanuts?
Originally it was “More than Carter has little liver pills”. It pre-dated Jimmy Carter by a half century.
Edwin Arroyo and Cam Collier for Luzardo would be a good move by the Reds.
Not hardly. That’s 2 20 year old first round talent. Reds do better to keep them
HBan
It would be fair but both teams would say no.
Marlins looking for someone who can start this year.
‘Carter has pills’ mate
Why no mention of Trevor Story?
Some reports signal Boston would like to cut additional payroll, and, they could slot rafaela into story’s place to open the year without signing a replacement.
I was thinking the same. I bet the Sox would pay a good chunk just to unload him, or package him with a prospect.
Maybe on an OF prospect, but, I’d think Story + Jansen + CASH considerations for 2024 only (say pay 12m off story and another 8m off Jansen), for a controlled SP + minor prospect(s) coming back might be a better framework
either way breslow should be making a call.
Unfortunately, I think the Sox would need to include a lot more than a cash infusion to offload Story and Jansen if they have any hope of getting affordable starting pitching in return. Like a Yorke + Abreu + cash caliber package at least.
Marlins aren’t giving a controllable pitcher for Story and Jansen’s contracts. If anything, Sox will have to take Avi Garcia’s contract back, and still throw money in, and they still won’t get a controllable pitcher back from the Marlins.
Marlins Fan Base
Trading Avisail for someone else’s junk is a potential win-win assuming the money stays even.
Exactly. They give us some sensible money, and we give them Avi Garcia and take on some of the contracts coming in, but not all. And we’re not giving up controllable pitching assets in a garbage contract for garbage contract trade.
Look no further than SD of a few years back. Their fans thought all of their young controllable arms were made of gold, and in the end, they generally didn’t amount to T-O-R starters either, and, never got to unload their egregious contracts to move one. Such is the risk of young arms.
Garcia was a negative war sub-mendoza player with years left on his contract.
Neither Story nor Jansen will bring T-O-R talent,but both have had recent success and were positive value contributors. Story rushed back and had rust of a type not unusual for TJ return, early at that.
In 314 innings he posted +8 DRS, +4.1 UZR/12.8 UZR150, +8 OAA, +6 RAA or in ither words, pick your metric he was a plus defender at SS while working on getting his hitting stroke back after recovering from injury.
Jansen, the all-star, with a 52/17 k/w ratio and 3.69 era while pitching in the AL east, a 126 ERA+ and 3.66 FIP, also is age 36 on the flip side but still has his stuff.
To imply it takes that, plus money, plus taking the beyond no value Garcia, to a team with an OF glut, and isn’t even worth the likes of say Cabrera, is ridiculous at best.
Speculation is all fine, well, and fun, but be realistic about what you’ve got and show you at least read into players a bit.
I’ll simplify this. Marlins aren’t doing that deal and certainly not going to take on bad contracts for it…and certainly not taking any bad contract without someone willing to take theirs back.
Probably not mentioned because his contract is too rich for the Fish, even if the Sox offset some of his contract.
i was thinking a more realistic trade is for Mateo. Mateo could be had for a FV45 pitching prospect… Dax Fulton may be a pipe dream, Montverde may be too MLB ready (so worth more than Mateo)… but the Os have a ton of prospect bats but less prospect arms; so i could see them leaping at even a guy taken in the 5-10th rounds of last years draft for Mateo
GASox – Y’all are way too fast for me, beat me by like 20 minutes!
Peraza from NYY is a SS and NYY needs SP…why no trade happened as of yet makes me wonder if someone’s is undervaluing or overvaluing someone and since I’m a NYY fan, I will blame Cashman (NYY GM)
Asking prices from what I’ve read around MLB for young, healthy, talented SP that were floated have been CRAZY high. Enough so that you almost have to wait for a team with arms that could be available to call you, and even then, they’re going to want too much.
Well, I AM a NYY fan, and I’d blame Cashman too! Instinct tells me he would want too much for too little when talking about a young controllable pitcher.
Peraza for Luzardo? That would be a good get for the Yankees
Yeah would be a good get for 29 other teams.
SF in the same boat. as Miami
Not.
They just need to let the rookies play !
I see what you did there with the Tim Anderson writeup!
I think the one the article missed that should be called about is Monstario of the Brewers. They get him with Weimer for one of their starting pitchers. They line up perfectly
Why didn’t they (and why won’t they) move Chisholm to SS?
He’s not good there defensively
He ain’t good in CF either. Looks lost out there
I actually think he looks ok there after just 1 season but I’d rather they move him back to 2B and shift Arraez to 1B. Prob better for him health-wise
He was above average defensively at CF according to advanced metrics. What are you talking about?
And this is why defensive stats need to be taken with a grain of salt and a lot of skepticism. Jazz struggled badly early on in CF. He improved as the season went on, but was not good. There is promise though for him being passable this upcoming season. The tools and improvement is there. But still a work in progress.
He had a negative defensive WAR value. What are YOU talking about? Also, did you actually watch him out there? The guy looked lost at times. I’ve never seen a guy make so many silly mistakes at a position before. From kicking baseballs, to dropping routine catches, to seemingly having a miscommunication with another outfielder almost on a weekly basis
Thank you @Chemo
Exactly. That’s the Jazz we all saw in CF. I was thinking “man, are advanced stats that ridiculous?” Thanks for the post.
Whew…anything that had Jazz in CF as “above average defensively” is crazy.
Adrianza all day.
Espinal via Trade from Jays.
Just because Miami is desperate to find a solution at SS, doesn’t mean they have to poison their locker room by signing TA. May as well let Jon Berti man that position in the meantime
I don’t think signing TA is a move Peter would make. If he brings in an external option, I would bet that it would be someone like Espinal or Ortiz/Mateo from the O’s.
The cost wouldn’t be huge for Espinal or Mateo.
The question is whether O’s and Marlins like an Ortiz for Ed Cabrera framework. I sure do.
I don’t. As long as the Marlins can sign Anderson or Rosario, I do not want them to give up a pitching asset for a SS, unless we’re talking an elite SS. Since that ain’t happening, I would not trade a pitcher while Anderson and Rosario are free agents.
I’d even prefer sticking with giving our internal options a chance instead of trading a pitching asset.
You act like Rosario and Anderson are elite lol. To get an “elite” SS you need to give up value too.
I’ve never said they’re elite. They are better options than 2023 Wendle. I’m not sure how saying that is synonymous with the term “elite”. 2023 Wendle was absolute garbage. It will be really hard for Anderson or Rosario to be worse than that. We made the Playoffs with 2023 Wendle. We don’t need to go trading pitching assets when we can simply resolve the issue with guys that can be had for just a low salary, short term contract. If we’re trading Luzardo, it better be for a SS that’s really good and proven at the MLB level – not a marginal upgrade or some hyped up prospect that hasn’t proven anything at MLB. We made the Playoffs. It makes no sense to trade a key piece for marginal improvement or gambling on something that we hope lives up to expectations/potential.
Anderson and Rosario make the most sense. Tommy Edman could be available as soon as mid season he’s under team control through 2025.
Mateo feels like a fit, but I’m biased as an Orioles fan who wants to move him to alleviate the infield backlog.
Mateo plus cash for two 18-yo international guys. Something like that would get it done.
Mateo is garbage. Marlins have what he offers on the roster already
Little harsh there BreezyB, a little harsh.
Mateo, by far, took the most reps at SS for a team that posted 101 wins last year and for an above .500 team in 22.
Attending games in person at OPACY, him and Mullins are a treat to watch in the field. And I was there when, IMHO, he single handly beat Cole and the Yankees with his offense one steamy Saturday evening in 22. Keep him Elias, please!
Your comment is garbage and the Marlins would absolutely utilize Mateo’s disruptive speed and ability on their roster to manufacture runs. They don’t have a player who possesses that type of speed on their team. Mateo would be a perfect fit in Miami and he’d likely get more opportunities than he’s set up to get in the coming year with Baltimore. He’s the type of speedy scrappy player that fits well there and if they can tweak his hitting to be more consistent and not so flashy here and there, he could make a pretty solid impact in Miami.
He’s an attitude guy too. Three different young bucks breathing down his neck (Henderson, Ortiz and soon to be Holliday) for playing time and even so, he takes the field with a grateful joy. Keep him Elias!
I’d rather the Fish use 2024 as a retool year and see what some of these younger players can do.
Start by cutting Avi Garcia… as for SS, I would give Jacob Amaya and Bruján a look there next year in a platoon. Go with a Berti/Edwards platoon at 2B (with both also capable backup OF options, as is Brujan) and shift Arraez to 1B/DH. Platoon him with Bell to keep them both fresh.
Sign a veteran bat to a one or two year deal to help the younger guys in the lineup… I’d personally target a OF to push Sanchez/De La Cruz into a LF platoon. My vote is Adam Duvall (who was great in his time with Miami) and can play CF to give Jazz a chance to rest occasionally and stay healthy. I would think he can be had for 10 million or so on a one year deal.
For C, sign Andrew Knizer who I feel has some untapped potential. Have Fortes work on hitting at AAA for the year.
1B Arraez
DH Bell
3B Burger
CF Chisholm
RF Duvall
LF De La Cruz/Sanchez
2B Berti/Edwards
SS Amaya/Brujan
C Betancourt/Knizer
Also need to add one more RP bullpen option.
Polanco for one of the SP’s
I like this!
@stretch123
I like your plan. It looks good. The only change I’d make would be to go with Dane Myers instead of Duvall as my 4th OF. IMO, he’s got a lot of upside, both w. the bat & glove. 1B/DH Troy Johnston also swings a potent bat and tore up minor league pitching in 2023. He deserves a legitimate shot. I realize you can’t carry everyone on the 26-man roster, but I guess that’s what ST is for.
I like the Knizer signing and agree they should platoon the middle infield spots with the guys they already roster. I think they should sign Austin Meadows to play OF. Literally nothing but lose and everything to gain if he’s mentally well.
I like the idea of them getting both Ahmed and Mondesi for the right price. Great defensive short stops, probably cheap, Mondesi could also be used as a pinch runner on off days. Both do have injury proneness but hopefully one could stay healthy when the other is injured.
How about looking at Cincy? Luzardo for Williamson and Arroyo?
Gonna take more than that for Luzardo that’s for sure.
They would have to add another 2nd tier prospect for sure after seeing what the return has been on other guys. Usually a 3 for 1 return.
Marte seems like a guy the Marlins would want.
It would cost way more than that for Luzardo. Arroyo and Williamson are good secondary pieces. CES, Arroyo, Williamson, and Balcazar for Luzardo makes sense for both teams
Arroyo is a year and a half away. Marlins need shortstop help now not later. Marte makes sense not Arroyo.
I could see EDLC being traded before Marte. Just a scout’s eye view of big league performance so far.
Trade simulator has Cruz valued over 90 million and Marte right at 30. If that’s accurate then the Marlins won’t trade for Cruz the cost is too high.
Where does Marte play moving forward?
They had him playing third even though he looks like a better defensive shortstop than EDLC, who actually played better at third when McLain was at short earlier in the season.
This is a big reason why people said the Candelario signing was unnecessary and a waste of money better spent on pitching.
Yep, Noelvi’s going nowhere
If Cruz is untouchable and Marte and Strand are going nowhere how do all these guys get playing time?
I don’t have a clue why they signed Candalerio.
I feel like Marte, Cruz and McCain alone is too many guys for not enough positions. Candelario made things even worse of a logjam.
You all are starting to see where some of us have been coming from all along.
I think the Reds are a Cease or Bieber trade away from having a heck of an offseason. But that needs to happen. Even a deal for Manoah would make sense.
I would do a Marte-Luzardo trade straight up.
You have to give to get brotha.
Marte & Encarnacion-Strand for Luzardo. Marlins will take nothing less, and the Reds can afford it. We’ll throw in some additional pieces, but those are the principals.
CES is going nowhere. Potential 30+ HR/year
Nope.
They should honestly make a trade with the New York Yankees. They have a plethora of shortstops available.
“His defensive metrics also took a tumble….”
“Taking a shot on Anderson….”
Well done, Darragh McDonald. Well done 🙂
Heard rumors of Luzardo to O’s as well. Who says no – Luzardo and Tanner Scott for Joey Ortiz, Samuel Basallo, Dylan Beavers, Cade Povich?
Marlins get an everyday SS, a potential everyday C in 2025. Also get a replacement SP and Beavers could be in the OF come 2025. Both guys are blocked at ML levels for O’s (Ortiz and Basallo). Marlins could also use the 12 million they save to bring in someone like Michael Lorenzen to help cover the loss of Luzardo.
O’s get another arm to pair with Kimbrel at the end of the bullpen and Luzardo who will lead their rotation, with three years of control.
Sounds fair but I think the Marlins are trying to compete in 2024. Luzardo is also from Miami I don’t know if they want to move him. Rogers I imagine is available for perhaps just Ortiz. Maybe Westburg with the Marlins giving up more. The Marlins need a guy who can definitely play shortstop not sure if Ortiz and Westburg are that guy not familiar enough with them.
True and as a Marlin fan I want them to be competitive this year but tbh with this core they can’t win a championship unless they add 1-2 more impactful bats. Minor leagues is barren with impact bats. In the organization they only have Arraez, Chisholm (who struggles with health) and Burger under control long term. Sanchez and De La Cruz are decent bottom of the order bats. I think trading Luzardo and Scott at their highest value will help them restock organization with Bats. With Sandy out this year no way they can make a deep playoff run. Obtaining a wild card spot again is a possibility.
Ortiz is an Elite defensive short stop. And his bat has really come around. He’s 25 and could be the Marlins short stop this year and beyond. Basallo would be an amazing get for the Marlins as they badly need a young power hitter and a catcher and he checks those boxes. He also probably be a top 10 prospect next year
Looking up Basallo I don’t think the Orioles will trade him. And he’s not a sure thing at catcher either. Probably best the Orioles keep him.
Ortiz for Rogers I think would be fair or close to it.
O’s don’t need Scott back. Although he’s a nice piece to have in the pen, they’ve got Coulombe, Perez, Vespi, Irvin and Hall to slot into an already crowded bullpen picture. I also don’t think there’s any way the O’s part with Basallo, a guy who is shooting up their system and is a crucial piece of the puzzle if Rutsch goes elsewhere in four years or has any injury issues in ‘25 or beyond.
Orioles don’t want Scott and that’s a huge overpay that would never happen. Basallo is a stud, Ortiz is a defensive gem and Povich is a piece that Baltimore is likely going to keep. No way they ALL go in a trade together, especially for Luzardo. Mayo has been mentioned as well but I think he’s also a piece that ends up staying. I can see them trading the likes of Ortiz, Santander, Beavers, Stowers, Mountcastle, etc. (not in the same deal) but the chances of them packaging Ortiz, Basallo and Povich together for Luzardo I just don’t see happening.
I think Ahmed would be an excellent pickup for Miami. I really hope the NYY pick him up as a depth option. I understand he’s a defense only guy, but I really like his character. Hope nothing but the best for Ahmed.
You mean Rosario right? Nick Ahmed is a shortstop too I think you mean Rosario but not sure.
Rosario would fit, but I was talking about Nick Ahmed (should’ve clarified…) I’m partial to him because I really like the guy. Seems like a high character fella. He did a chat on this site a couple years ago – pretty cool guy, seemed very humble. From what I can tell his defense was always upper echelon.
Honestly, I’m not quite as familiar with Rosario (although I should be since he was in the AL).
What are your thoughts on who they should get, Joel? You thinking Rosario, or would someone else would be a better fit?
Ok yeah Ahmed could be good for a year or two. I believe his defense has slipped a little bit recently but he’s still good defensively.
I think they should get Anderson or Rosario if they don’t make a deal for a shortstop with a team like Baltimore. They need a shortstop bad they need one both short and long term.
You sign TA because you need a bad SS, not because you need a SS bad.
Anderson has been a better player the last few years than Giolito his former teammate has. And Giolito just got paid
Giolito is a starting pitcher. TA is not a SS, and has a bad reputation. Any questions.
Berti seems to provide palatable enough value between his base running and defense. The free agent class at shortstop is weak and the Marlins lack the prospect capital for a major trade. IMO, it makes more sense to give Jacob Amaya and Xavier Edwards a proper audition and then act accordingly.
If nothing else, upgrading over Avisail Garcia at DH should be a higher priority.
As a Mets fan I would trade any young SS prospect that the Mets picked up except Jett, if Miami want any I would take back Luzardo or Josh Bell, either would help the Mets a SP or a DH or both and the Mets add some more.
Marlins are in the business of making themselves better, not making the Mets better.
Please trade for Jeremy Pena!!! Astros need to restock in the worst way.
If the price is right, I’d look at him.
Doubt it is going to happen but I would love for the Sox to bring back TA on a cheaper 1 year deal to play 2B. I understand not picking up the option at $14M but I would give him a call and see how interest has been in him so far (guessing very very little).
He’s going to have to sign a cheap one-year deal. Also, Tim needs a therapist, he needs to get his head cleared too, that’d be my stipulation to return to the White Sox.
Pirates send Henry Davis and Liover Peguero to the Marlins for Eury and T Rogers
Lmfaooo Eury is completely untouchable. Especially for two Mid players
Are you sure that the Marlins are sending enough? I mean maybe they should also send Arraez, Luzardo, Garrett, Jazz, Burger, Jesus Sanchez, De La Cruz, Alcantara and a whole bunch of money too.
Troy Johnston for Angel Martinez?
Rosario is probably the best option since it only costs money to sign him. Mateo would be the next best because I doubt it would cost a lot in a trade to get him. The Orioles have a lot of kids that are ready to take over and Ortiz is a good option..
Adams is probably the best player listed but there will be a cost.
Anderson should be playing in Korea. The guy can’t hit and his defensive is horrible. If he isn’t hitting he isn’t worth it.
Rangers make a lot of sense. Luzardo for Ezequiel Duran and other prospects. Texas has many prospects in the top 150 and could part with possibly 2.
Yeah, because the Marlins made the Playoffs in 2023, but are looking to take a step back and rebuild again.
Ezequiel Duran is an MLB starter that just put up really good numbers and good defense at short. Tell me how exactly Marlins would be taking a step back?
Duran had that year in a hitter’s park while he’s strikes out a ton, so he’ll be coming to our stadium where it won’t be as easy to post those numbers and the strikeouts will be a problem. It has a great chance to go south as a step back for the Marlins.
And this is before we get into the whole thing of that it doesn’t make sense for the Marlins to trade a pitching asset, unless they are getting a high level MLB performer because the Marlins can simply stay with giving a shot to their internal options or just go and sign either Tim Anderson or Amed Rosario which will cost no pitching assets.
The Marlins are better off with keeping Luzardo and either staying with an internal option or signing Rosario or Anderson than they would be if they traded away Luzardo for Duran.
Joey Ortiz is the SS the Marlins should be targeting from the Orioles, not Jorge Mateo. Very good bat-to-ball skills and a +/++ defender at SS, and should absolutely be starting somewhere in 2024 after hitting very well at AAA in 2022 and 2023, which is hard to see happening in Baltimore due to Gunnar, Urias, Holliday, Westburg, etc.
Him and another piece or 2 for Rogers would be cool with me.
Anyone but Luzardo/Perez and you have a deal
Makes sense King.
If the Jays were willing to trade Bichette, what would the Marlins have to give up for him?
Anybody not named Eury, Sandy, Arraez at least.
I’m not sure they really match up for a Bichette trade. The Jays don’t need SP.
The Jays really liked Max Meyer in the ‘20 draft. Not sure what else specifically the Jays might like. Bell maybe? The Jays are pretty thin on catching in the minors. They love athletic pitchers (former SS and multi sport guys). Despite having ultra aggressive hitters in the majors, they seem to target guys with great bb/k ratios in the draft and give those high floor types opportunities in the majors when needed.
Kind of unlikely they would be looking for prospects unless they decide to throw in the towel for 2024. Don’t see them doing that.
In a world where they were open to trading Bichette, I’d have to imagine the reason would be to try to extend their window of contention. So a return of a now piece like Bell, a controllable young major leaguer like Meyer, and some prospects would make some sense if they were trying to get better in ‘26 while not completely throwing in the towel on this season. They get two pieces that help immediately and some prospects that help in the future. It’s not really much different than the Teoscar for Swanson and Macko trade. And while they did give up longer control in Moreno, they certainly chose to use him to buy more control than immediate consolidated impact. I don’t think it would be out of character for them to target that kind of return. I don’t think they’d actually trade Bichette now but it seems like rival executives thought maybe they should consider it earlier in the offseason. Scott Mitchell wrote a bit of piece exploring why he thought they might (or should) be weighing that option. Trying to stretch the window to the post Bo and Vlad years is part of that equation.
Peraza to Marlins for Rodgers
A package around Espinal, Kirk, Martinez + for Luzardo +
baseballtradevalues.com/trades/158540
baseballtradevalues.com/trades/158542
@ jeffym82
Who catches for Toronto during the half of the season where Jansen is injured?
Also, the Jays had a top 5 pitching staff and the best defense in the league last year. Most of that will be returning this season. Unless Luzardo can hit 40 homers, he doesn’t actually help the Jays with what they need.
Maikel Garcia has a very sold bat and glove with lots of control
I’m sure Tigers fans wouldn’t mind unloading Javy Baez, eat most of his contract up, but not sure Marlins would want his poor offense. I’m sure Tim Anderson would jump at the chance, but I don’t recommend that, as a White Sox fan, he’d have to be super cheap to begin with…
I got an unrelated question for you. I was playing around with the trade simulator last night. I know you are a Cubs fan I think you said you are a White Sox fan too
Robert
Cease
For
Armstrong
Alcantara
Wesneski
Brown
Morel
Who says no?
Yes, I follow both I am not liked by baseball fans in Chicago lol
White Sox say no, solely because they’re going to want a lot more for Robert alone. I can see them asking for PCA on top of another two good prospects.
Cubs could use both. Robert has the bat and glove for CF, he’s affordable and he’s under control for a few years. Cease would benefit from a more pitcher-friendly ballpark and better defense. Plus he has the stuff, he was just on a bad team/culture in 2023.
Could swap Brown for Horton. I think a deal makes sense for both teams if the details could be worked out. White Sox need outfielders and pitching the Cubs have that available to trade if they wanted to deal them.
Cubs could trade Armstrong for Cease and then sign Bellinger. That could maybe make sense.
Marlins say no.
As for Baez, it would require the Tigers taking back Avi Garcia. And paying a lot of money to Miggy Cabrera to still want to be part of the organization, and to warn the rest of their personnel to keep their wives away from him. And they’d never be able to bring Prince Fielder back for Old-timers Day while Avi is there.
Hmm what about a swap of Avi Garcia for Baez and a mid level prospect or two. Where Detroit eats 10-11 million annually. Saves Detroit 2 of the 4 years money is owed to Avi where as Marlins get an average SS with bounce back potential for roughly the same price as Avi. Albeit, there’s the two extra years on the contract. Marlins get a prospect or two for taking on the extra years and money.
Works for me.
Javy would likely be welcomed in FLA, as even his poor production in Detroit is better than what they’ve had. Unfortunately, Zack Short is now a Met (lost on waivers due to HARRIS roster juggling. But we still have Nevin!). Detroit does not have a replacement. Kreidler and Leonard can play the position in a pinch, but are better suited to join their pile of 2B/3B candidates. HARRIS still has not plugged the hole he created at third. I wouldn’t want to see him tax himself by emptying the whole left side of the infield.
Jackson Merrill has been rumored a guy the marlins would have interest in. Not sure the cost cutting padres would be willing to trade him. Though they obviously don’t need him at short stop.
He is basically mlb ready or likely will be in the majors next year.
If the padres were willing to move him it would take a lot to acquire him.
No question the Marlins could use a long term shortstop like Merrill. I think Luzardo is getting close. Luzardo and Meyer would be fair I think.
It won’t be fair to the Marlins.
If opposing teams want to get Tim Anderson out, just throw some breaking and off-speed pitches. He can’t hit those pitch types.
I saw an article done by someone who write about the Marlins suggesting a trade for Espinal. One the suggestions he made was A.J. Puk for Espinal. I’m sure that would work the Jays.
If Espinal got back to his 2021-2022 production with regular playing time it wouldn’t be a bad trade for the Marlins. If they get the 2023 version though not sure it would worth it for them.
If the Marlins wanted Espinal, I think the Jays would take something nominal like international bonus pool money. A year ago I would have said Espinal could hold down a starting job as a glove first high contact rate middle infielder. But his defensive performance last season wasn’t great. If the Jays believed the ‘21-‘22 version was likely to turn up again, they probably wouldn’t have signed IKF. He’s probably still a high enough floor bench piece if the Marlins were going to try a higher ceiling more risky player as a complement. But I’d be surprised if anyone thought of him as likely to hold down a starting job.
As A Jay’s fan I’d rather keep Espinal then get nothing like you want.
To be clear, it’s not necessarily what I want. I would have wanted the Jays to have enough optimism about him to not sign IKF, but they did sign IKF. I can’t see both those guys on the roster. And I’d rather Espinal get a chance elsewhere than be buried on the depth chart. He could technically be optioned to Buffalo but I think he’s a major leaguer and should have a chance somewhere if there’s a team that could use him.
Plus, international bonus pool money isn’t awful. The Jays used to do well making smaller trades and collecting leftover pool money from teams to turn it into decent pieces from underscouted markets like Robberse. It was sad when teams couldn’t trade pool money anymore but I have noticed a few trades including it over the past year so I guess it’s tradable again?
Ikf replaces whit
People keep saying that, but Merrifield mostly played 2B and they don’t need IKF there.
Not really. IKF is much more profiled like Espinal. Left side of the infield defender. Whit was sort of their fourth outfielder even though he got a lot of time at 2B. Remember that the reason they traded for Whit in the first place was because of the uncertainty of Springer’s injury status more than any real need at 2B. IKF can play the outfield but I think they need a real outfield bat that can start against lefties. Their OF situation wasn’t good last year and they have the same outlook at the current moment. They have to put more into that mix this year. The bench figures to be one of the catchers, one of the Biggio/Schneider platoon, IKF, and one more spot that really should be a right handed lefty masher outfielder. I don’t see a role for Espinal. Unless they don’t think Schneider is deserving of a spot.
Oswald Peraza from Yankees for young controllable SP?
Hernandez is not a SS, he’s a 2B/CF. Rosario makes sense but who knows what his asking price is. Defensively Newman or Ahmed would probably be their options
Rafael + Yorke for Luzardo
Or Yorke for Puk, and stretch him out.
The second is more likely. Why would the Marlins trade Luzardo for that other deal when they just made the Playoffs and are looking to compete again – not rebuild again.
Luzardo to the Os for Joey Ortiz, Connor Norby, and Alex Pham. That’s a top 50 prospect ready to step into shortstop, a second Orioles top 10 prospect with a .842 ops over 565 AAA at bats last season (.960 in AA in 2022), and a young AA starting pitching prospect
I’m not completey opposed to this package but I’d want Povich or McDermott as the third piece if I were Miami.
Why does everyone think that the Marlins will be trading a key piece for the Playoff run for pieces for a rebuild? Why would a team that finally got back to the Playoffs start another rebuild by trading one of their key pieces for guys with potential that are not established as proven at the MLB level?
Because they have been rumored to be listening on pitchers like luzardo. They have a clear need for a shortstop and they will have to give up real value to fix that position. It’s not hard to understand
The rumors say that, but they’re just rumors, and there is nothing of note involving giving up proven MLB pitchers like Luzardo for guys who we don’t know what they’ll do when they face MLB talent. The team just made the Playoffs, It’s stupid to think they’ll take a step back for unproven guys. If Luzardo is traded, it’s going to be proven for something proven, not something that people think will be good.
It’s not hard to understand that gambling on a step back is stupid.
I’m with you but they have shown the willingness to trade controllable pitching to fill their needs. Ortiz steps in as a major league ready shortstop with full team control.
They aren’t getting a proven affordable shortstop that has the value luzardo has. So they would have to take a prospect and hope for the best. That’s what the marlins do.
You want to hear the honest truth? The Marlins played over there heads last year and made the playoffs so the rebuild still isn’t complete. Plus with all the front office goings on and the fact that the Marlins have sold off winning teams at the drop of a hat,you can’t really blame everyone for not buying in. Think about this what have they done this off season to improve their playoff team? Josh Bell opted in so the team didn’t make that decision. Teams that are serious always add. Look at Cincinnati. I know your gonna take this all wrong but that’s how I see it.
The rumors say that, but they’re just rumors,
===========================
1-The article is about the Marlins looking for SS. If they are, then they are likely giving up pitching. There are no other angles to this.
2-They idea that they are taking a step backwards is not necessarily so. They were 30th in OPS at SS. If you want to improve your offense, that is the path of least resistance.
And they can simply improve their SS situation by signing either Anderson or Rosario…without trading any pitching assets to take a gamble on guys who may just go in the long line of failed MLB prospects. A team tat just made the Playoffs does not make a stupid move like that when they can easily improve with low commitment signings. All they need is to get anyone that is an improvement from 2023 Wendle. No need to trade key pieces to their Playoff team to do that.
That’s fine, but then your argument should be with MLB-R running an article suggesting that Miami might be looking to trade for a SS.
Well, it’s not really an argument about them trading for a SS. It’s more about the type of suggestions people are stating. If the Marlins trade a pitcher, it’s going to have to be for a high level SS; not some dime-a-dozen SS or unproven prospect like the suggestions that are being made throughout this article’s posts.
My point is more about, instead of trading a pitching asset for a dime-a-dozen SS or unproven prospect, the Marlins can simply give their internal options the chance or just sign Tim Anderson or Amed Rosario…essentially decisions that give same caliber possibilities while keeping the pitchers. It makes no sense to trade pitchers for pieces that are the same caliber or just as unproven as can be had by the Marlins, without trading the pitchers.
It seems that a lot of the posters here are not understanding that part. It’s not going to take the pieces everyone keeps talking about giving for Luzardo or any of the other Marlins key, controllable pitchers. It’s going to take a really good, MLB-proven SS that makes it worth trading a pitcher instead of sticking with the other options that don’t involve trading a pitcher.
@MarlinsFanBase
Amen, brother. Great minds think alike. These dime-a-dozen SS options I’ve seen throughout have had me shaking my head in disbelief. The article downplays the Marlins’ internal candidates: Xavier Edwards, Vidal Brujan, and Jacob Amaya. Big mistake. It also implies that the Fish are desperate to make a trade. They’re not. The only way a major transaction goes down is if we receive a serious windfall of talent in exchange. The fact is, the Marlins hold all the cards and are dealing from a position of strength. We can retain all our pitchers, make no deals, and still be a serious force in the NL East in 2024. And to anyone who thinks we were “playing over our heads” this past season and are doomed to regress, all I can say is – standby, and watch what happens.
They really need a shortstop and a catcher. Their defense up the middle is horrible. If everything breaks right the Marlins will be a .500 team. Alcantara is out for the year. Rogers is a mess. There is now a book on Braxton Garrett and he’s due to regress. Luzardo is the only guy I would trust with the ball. They have done nothing to improve their bullpen. And as Josh Bell goes so does Miami’s offense. The Fish are getting better but they are not a power in the NL east at least until they topple Atlanta and Philly and that’s a tall order.
Your suggestion is don’t trade for a high end shortstop prospect but instead sign a shortstop that is terrible. You realize if they actually got a good shortstop prospect that was actually good he would be worth way more than luzardo correct.
@Chris from NJ
Most of what you state seems to be more wishful thinking on your part as a Mets fan. It may happen, but there are no guarantees, but clearly wishful thinking.
Also, some of it misses a lot of other factors.
And obviously Atlanta and Philly are the powers of the NL East, but remember, all we need is to get one of the Wild Card spots…like we did last season.
Oh, and FYI, Alcantara had a bad year. We already upgraded our catching with Bethancourt over Stallings. Very likely we’ll be better at SS because it’s hard for anyone to suck more than Wendle did. We’ve had a surplus of lefty bullpen arms, so the moves made were to look for RH relievers to compliment them. And this was a Playoff team with our flaws. Not a reach to think we’ll compete for a Playoff spot again.
@Simm
And if we trade Luzardo for a good SS prospect that doesn’t pan out (historically most prospects fail to live up to expectations), then we ended up giving up a key piece to our Playoff team for a failed prospect. The best quote I have heard about prospects is that “Prospects are just suspects until they prove they can play in MLB”.
It’s stupid to trade a proven, controllable key piece to your Playoff team for a gamble on a prospect that may fail…when most prospects fail. We made the Playoffs with Wendle at SS. We can compete for a Playoff spot with a modest upgrade…which considering how bad Wendle was, it’s not that hard to find someone that is an improvement on both the offensive and defensive front. As much of a down year the likes of Anderson and Rosario had, they still were better than Wendle, who was absolute garbage with the bat and could only field balls hit to him or in his vicinity.
Of course every trade is bad if the player you acquire sucks. Good free agent shortstops cost a ton, more the the marlins will ever spend to sign one. So they either have to draft one or acquire a prospect. The only other choice is to play guys like you mentioned who just just aren’t even close to being good. Shortstop is the most value position in the game outside of maybe catcher.
When you are team with a lower payroll like the marlins you need cheap young talent. While luzardo isn’t expensive yet he will start costing a lot more soon. His value will also go down as his years of control do. Yes it’s a risk acquiring any prospect but that’s why the front office that pulls the trigger has to make sure they are correct. The rays literally do trades like this almost every year. This is how you can keep a window up while not spending much on payroll. Exactly what the marlins should be doing.
Well, they have internal options like converting Xavier Edwards who looked solid this past season. They have Jacob Amaya who definitely has the glove, with his question being the bat. They also have Jordan Groshans who was once a strong prospect with Toronto before we acquired him from them last year. And we can go with Berti platooning, who is a very solid player and probably the most underrated utility player in the game. And if anything, since we do have both Jazz Chisholm and Vidal Brujan who can play both CF and SS, we can consider moving Jazz to his original position at SS, while having Brujan compete with others in our organization for CF.
We don’t need to go take the gamble of trading Luzardo for a prospect…certainly not before we have seen what we have internally with our young players.
Once again it comes down to how the front office views these guys vs others. They don’t neeeed so do anything but that doesn’t mean they don’t view it has the should.
I heard a rumor the other days about Campusano as part of a package for luzardo.
A lot of smoke around the marlins trading a pitcher so I wouldn’t be surprised if they did.
Well, we’ll see if it happens. I do know that Bendix has said he’s listening, but they are also considering free agency and their own internal options. He’s also said that they will evaluate moves that should be immediate fixes and what can wait for later.
The thing is that one of the main factors in this will be whether there is a move that makes the overall roster better than last year. From what I see, trading away Luzardo for a dime-a-dozen or unproven prospect does not improve the team as much as keeping him and either giving the internal guys the shot or just signing someone like Anderson or Rosario. In fact, Rosario probably is another impacting factor when it comes to whether to trade for a prospect or not because he’s still at a point where he can be what a highly touted prospect can be…and he can be had for just money, without trading a pitcher. Rosario would be like signing an older prospect without losing Luzardo.
These are things to consider when determining if a team is better trading for a piece or taking another route to improve the team.
I’ll wait and see what happens, but I’m pretty sure that none of these dime-a-dozen suggestions or unproven prospects are going to get it done.
What exactly is wishful thinking on anything I stated? Down year or not Alcantara is out for the season. Has anyone fixed Rogers? Not that I know of. Garrett had an amazing 2nd half. Is that him or is he more of what he looked like early in the year? Stallings was horrible but the Marlins replaced him with another back up catcher in Bethancourt. Not sure how much of an upgrade that is. Surplus of lefty arms? Surplus means an excess of production. They need everyone of those arms. Your playoff Marlins bullpen was only slightly better then the Mets and it doesn’t get much worse then the Mets were in 23. What right hand relievers have they added? They haven’t. And how are they going to replace Soler”‘s production? You have to spend or trade to do those things. It’s not a reach to say that the Marlins are going to be competitive but Cincy got alot better and so did Arizona. It will be alot tougher for them to back into a wild card spot this year. Playoff teams add like Cincy and Arizona did. Why isn’t Miami? It’s not like they have a farm system like Baltimore or Cincy,the fish have a bottom 5 farm system. I think it’s really you who has the case of wishful thinking. Everything had to break right for Miami to get in the playoffs and it did last year. I know where my team stands and have realistic expectations. A playoff appearance was great for Miami and Bendix was a smart hire. But it doesn’t make them much better then what they look like: A .500 team. I’m not saying the Mets will be much better but I don’t defend every bad move they make. And enjoy Luzardo this year. He’ll be gone next year if not the deadline this year if things don’t break right again. You still need a shortstop, a catcher and centerfielder. Good luck with your “wishful thinking”….
KC seems like it is destined to make a trade w/ MIA this offseason…If KC wants to save on some salary obligations since they just spent (by their standards) a ton of $$, they could move Salvy to MIA where he has a 2nd home and reportedly would waive his no trade protection…KC has depth @ SS w/ BWJ entrenched and Maikel Garcia fully capable of being at least an average SS w/ the bat and well above avg with the glove.
KC Sends
Salvy
Maikel Garcia
Nick Pratto (MIA kicked tires on VInnie P deal for Luzardo already this offseason)
MIA Sends
Xavier Edwards (blocked by Arraez, fills hole @ leadoff & 2B for KC)
Jesus Lazardo
KC might need to include another prospect to get this done, but it would benefit the makeup of both clubs heading into spring training!
Dreaming..That’s not going to happen.
Pratto and Vinnie are no where close to the same players. Garcia is average and Salvy is old and expensive. Awful trade idea
@GreinkeFan
You want Luzardo? You can’t have him. Instead, take Rogers or Cabrera, along with 2B Yiddi Cappe, for Nick Loftin, Freddie Fermin, and Vinnie Pasquantino. We’ll keep Edwards. We love his bat, and he can play multiple positions.
Hate to see him go but since the Padres have a surplus of infielders and are depleted of outfielders how about a one for one swap: HS Kim for Jazz Chisholm? Jazz would play in Left Field next to Fernando Tatis (Center).
Nope.
One Tatis is playing right field two Chisholm has way more control then Kim does. Kim is likely a guy the marlins would never trade for. Cost a lot to get and is a free agent to be.
Tatis will likely move to Center.
No he won’t likely move to center.
@619MetroFriars
Need an OF? You can have either Peyton Burdick or Victor Mesa Jr. straight up for H-S K.
Bichette, Espinal + cash to Miami for Arráez+ prospects
Manoha, Springer & prospects to San Diego for Croneworth & Tatis. Jays send cash to cover Springer. Padres send cash in 29 to offset Tatis’ salary.
Gotta lay off The Show young man.
Trying out for SNL Sports coverage?
Unless there was like 4 top 100 prospects coming with springer the padres would never do that deal.
How’d they like a completely free Trevor Story? It’s not as if the Sox will be needing him any time soon
Only if “free” means a straight trade of Story and money for Avi Garcia.
So the Marlins don’t want to trade Jesus Luzardo? How about Ha-Seong Kim for Edward Cabrera?
Nope.
They can have one of Bae, Pegeuro, Gonzales or Williams from the Pirates. I know that’s not enough for a decent young pitcher but that’s just a starting point.
I think a rare prospect for prospect deal would work here, maybe the Marlins send Perez and a minor leaguer to the Orioles for Holiday and an OF?
O’s ain’t trading Holliday. The marlins will get Joey Ortiz and be very pleased.
lol Marlins aren’t trading Perez
So many choices and only one that I love: Luzardo to Reds for Noelvi Marte (and perhaps Spencer Steer). Marte is the next Hanley Ramirez for the Fish.
Sometimes I am a little confuse how the Markins brainstrust function.
They had Nuñez. Let me put this on perspective. They resently signed Betancourt and even this guy is proven not to be a good hitter, the reason behind it was, great arm, great defense, bilingual and calls a good game. So Nuñez had all thise skills plus tremendous speed, definitely a future Gold glover, swith hitter. What the Marlins did the exposed him and he is gone. Defense and speed wins tons of game in baseball. For me that was a big mistake, specially when defense is a premium at this position. There is no justification for letting him go. Oh, he is very young and can continue to grow and become a valuable asset. Anyway, this is my chance to express how I feel about it. I just imagine how many bases he could have stolen, how many defensive runs he could have saved.
I rather have him than Betancourt.
Fir me way better choice than having Berti. I like Berti a lot but he is no shortstop, way out of position. So what the future holds, please don’t go out there and spend silly money on the alternatives out there and don’t waste talent unless you are bringing in a peemiun long term solution and ready now players. Baltimore, Reds Boston have plenty of talented players. So if they are willing to put a good package for someone like Luzardo I will considered that. Hope they do the right thing.
Call up the Red Sox
Tommy Edman
The negative Tim Anderson sentiment is so weird to me. He had one bad season. Yeah, he was not cool in his personal life, but that’s not exactly a rarity in pro sports. It’s not like he’s Trevor Bauer, who has four accusation of abuse. (It’s not just the one that some people like to dismiss.) Unless he’s developed some sort of debilitating condition, he should be a great bounce-back candidate.
His defense isn’t great? Okay, he can move to second base. But I’d say his defense is adequate. He’s injury prone? Eh, a lot of players miss some time. Focus on the time he’s on the field (like, when he was nearly a .320 hit with decent power and speed for the four seasons prior to 2023) and lean on the utility player when Anderson is hurting. In Miami’s case, Berti is just fine in that role.
In addition to Mateo, who would be a shorter term solution, the O’s have Ortiz as a longer term solution. Ortiz seems MLB ready but is totally blocked (barring injury) by that O’s depth. Mateo was the best player in baseball for a month last year. Mateo can also play average to above average outfield.
Have the O’s chip in Dean Kremer (or a single A pitching prospect) and ask for Luzardo.
Kim to mariners for Woo and RP Adcock. Kim plays 2base so we can platoon Rojas and urias at 3B. JP, Kim, julio, Garver, Big dumper as a 1 thru 5 start to batting order is fire
The Padres would do that in a second.
The potential trade market should include Peraza, who would give the Marlins a plus, if not a plus-plus, defender who has upside with the bat. Problem is, even with his low cost and six years of control, would take a bigger package for the Marlins to move a quality starter. A Peraza/Hampton package would certainly get the Marlins attention, but I don’t see the Yankees going there. Not a convenient fit on either side here, but something worth exploring.
Mateo from the O’s could give them a very good defender, although in all due respect to Jim Palmer, he’s hardly in Mark Belanger’s class. A very good defender, great speed, and one of the worst hitters in the game with zero upside. His arbitration cost is probably $3MM. He’s a step above waiver wire fodder, so he’s not bringing anything of note back. He’d be more of a tack on to a deal, not a lead piece.
Urshela is coming off a broken pelvis, a significant injury that could impact both his range and his hitting. Not even sure he’ll be ready for opening day. He’s not a SS option.
A deal with Cleveland feels like a more realistic scenario.
Javier Baez!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just send us that skinny Eury Perez kid 😉 He’s no good anyway right?
Play Xavier Edwards. The guy deserves a shot after a solid year.
@Motor City Beach Bum
Edwards is a solid, high-average contact hitter with a great attitude and tremendous upside, IMHO. Instead of all this trade speculation, the SS job should be his to lose.
CLE needs to thin out some of its young infielders. Perhaps a package trade for De La Cruz could be worked out.
Rojas‼️Lux‼️for a SP.
Besides the Dodgers
can never have too much pitching.
Santiago Espinal gets better with more playing time. He’s a hard worker and could be a late bloomer I think he could probably hit .275 in a full season. He is really good defensively
Amed Rosario makes the most sense on 1 or 2 year deal in part time role. Positional versatility, 95 percentile in foot speed, athletic, only 28, puts the ball in play. Has some pop. Sign him and have him work hard on his range. He’s under-performed defensively relative to natural tools. Once upon a time, he was the number 1 prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline in midseason update.
The Padres and Marlins would match up well as trade partners. How about Merrill for Garret and Meyer. Who says no?
@sdpadsfan11
Not a chance. I like Merrill, though. You can have either Edward Cabrera or Trevor Rogers, along with a PTBNL, for Merrill and Zavala. Take it or leave it. The Fish are not desperate to make a deal. Are we looking for an upgrade at SS? Sure. But the perception that our own internal candidates aren’t good enough – trust me, that’s not reality. The Marlins front office would have to be well and truly impressed by any incoming offers to trade a TOR starter.
Lol !
Masyn Wynn, Pedro Pages, Alec Burleson for Braxton Garrett. I just think that Luzardo will untimely not be traded. He’s the closest think that they have to an ace for 2024. As a Cardinals fan that’s what I’m thinking as much as I love Luzardo. This trade is how you get a team to give up a good young pitcher With many years of control. You have to give in order to get. Marlins ownership and the fans would be good with that deal. It’s also how you get the Marlins to take your next phone call later on down the line.
Good deal for both teams
@Joe Robbins
Not good enough. Those guys are very average at best. Don’t need them. Any conversation w. the Cardinals has to include Jordan Walker and Ivan Herrera, or I hang up the phone.
@Joe Robbins
Wynn, Walker, & Herrera for Edward Cabrera, Jacob Berry, & Peyton Burdick. That’s my offer.
I hung up.
@Joe Robbins
OK, I’ll tell you what – you can have Luzardo and OF Victor Mesa Jr. for Herrera and Walker.
WWKND – What Would Kim Ng Do?