MLB Trade Deadline: Why The Marlins Should Sell Now!

Jul 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) sits in the dugout during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Braves won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

If there is one thing that Marlins fans do not want to hear, it’s that the Fish should sell.

It is true that the Marlins have been sellers way more than they have been buyers in their 21 year history. It is important to note though, that the Marlins have also been World Champions twice in that same span. That is more than a lot of teams can boast. So why do I believe that the Marlins should sell days before the deadline? Here is why:

1. Unfortunately they aren’t going to the playoffs:

This may be hard for some fans to stomach, but this just isn’t our year. Don’t get me wrong, we are certainly trending in the right direction. The team is extremely young but they are talented and all the reps that they are receiving are going to pay off in the long run. Even after their recent winning streak, they are 2 games under .500 and 7 games behind the suddenly dangerous Washington Nationals.

That doesn’t sound like it is impossible to overcome, but it isn’t likely, and when you realize that they would have to leap over 4 teams to get to a play-in-game, the odds are not in the Fish’s favor. I believe that this team can be built to make the playoffs in two years, but that is the earliest.

2. This market is perfect for selling:

With the addition of another Wild Card, there are only 5 teams that are currently further than 10 games out of a playoff spot. That number is much lower than in years past, and that means that there are fewer players available on the trade market. It is simple supply and demand. More teams believe they can make a run at it, with less teams to sell, which means players to be traded are going to get more in return. The Marlins could stock up on young players that could contribute in two years.

Players Like Casey McGehee and Steve Cishek could bring back a nice haul of prospects, and that may not sound appetizing to some fans, it truly would be more beneficial for the team in the long run.

3. It is time to face the music, Giancarlo Stanton will not be signing a contract extension. 

I am sorry fans. I have had quite a few conversations with some of you and we always seem to convince each other that the Marlins will resign Stanton. It is not happening. Don’t get me wrong, I truly hope that I eat these words, but unless the Marlins are willing to make him the highest paid outfielder in the game (their not!) than he won’t be signing a contract extension. He would be crazy not to test the open market and see just how badly the Yankees or Dodgers want him to play for their respective teams. The sooner that they trade him, the more they will get in return for him.

I am optimistic that the Marlins are building a strong team for the future, but it is important to be realistic in our expectations. I believe this team will be a playoff team in two years with the right moves. Let’s hope that the front office sees it that way.