Miami Marlins Acquire Three Prospects for Ricky Nolasco From Los Angeles Dodgers

Jul 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) pitches in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Trade talks with between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins regarding starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco intensified today. The two sides are finalizing details and are close to a final agreement, according to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish:

Chris is not an established reporter like Jon Heyman, but he was the first to nail down the names of the prospects that the Miami Marlins will get in return for Ricky Nolasco.

Marlins.com reporter Joe Frisaro hears that the two sides agreed for the Dodgers to eat the remaining $5.5 million left on Nolasco’s contract.

The Marlins will also send the Dodgers international slot money for use of signing international players. In return, the Marlins will receive prospects Angel Sanchez, Steven Ames, and Josh Wall. None of these prospects are huge impact prospects, but could help the Marlins down the road.

Ames, who was the first player named as a part of the trade, ranked 21st among Dodger prospects according to Baseball America’s preseason rankings. BA said that he should be ready as a 7th or 8th inning setup man in the big leagues as soon as this year. The 25-year old reliever owns a 3.67 ERA and a 4.25 FIP in a rough hitters environment in Albuquerque in 34 1/3 innings. Ames has seen his strikeout rate plummet and his walk rate rise with the Isotopes this season, causing concern about his future status. More than likely, Ames should have a chance to pitch out of the Marlins bullpen, maybe as soon as the deal is finalized.

Josh Wall was ranked one spot ahead of Ames on BA’s prospect list, coming in at 20. Wall has struggled in 2013, allowing 14 earned runs in just seven innings of work with the Dodgers and 5.60 ERA and a 4.55 FIP in 27 1/3 innings with the Isotopes. BA notes that the tall righty has late game stuff, but has yet to master his command. Wall also has a decent chance to see major league action this season, especially if the Marlins move a couple of arms near the deadline like they are expected to.

The final prospect that Marlins are rumored to receive is starting pitcher Angel Sanchez. BA ranked Sanchez as the Dodgers 25th best prospect. Sanchez was promoted to High A ball despite struggling with a 4.88 ERA and a 3.59 FIP in Low-A. He is a 23-year old prospect that Baseball America calls an “exciting arm.” He has yet to dominate the lower minor leagues and still has ways to go to have a chance to contribute at the major league levels. According to Frisaro, Angel Sanchez is believed to be the prize of the deal for the Fish:

So in all, the Marlins are reportedly getting two relief prospects and a lower tier starting pitcher prospect for starter Ricky Nolasco. It was rumored that the Colorado Rockies offered the Marlins two “nice” prospects for Nolasco, if the Marlins sent some salary relief their way. Of course, this is not the way that owner Jeffery Loria operates and the Marlins probably lost out big time in a potential return for their all time wins leader.

For more updates on the pending Nolasco deal and all other trade rumors, stay tuned to Marlin Maniac.

Update: Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports that the trade has been finalized: