Marlins Reportedly Shopping Morrison, Nolasco

While most were still digesting last night’s mega-trade, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal was already relaying an inkling from one of his sources that the Miami Marlins weren’t done dealing (which we all likely guessed anyways) and that Ricky Nolasco was likeliest to be moved next. Early this afternoon Joe Capozzi of The Palm Beach Post reported that not only is Nolasco likely to go, but that the team is also shopping Logan Morrison.

Miami will likely continue dealing players and the outspoken Logan Morrison could be next to move. (Image Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE)

To say that Nolasco is available comes as no surprise considering he’s now the highest paid player remaining on the Marlins roster by a wide margin. The soon to be 30 year old right-hander is slated to make $11.5 Million this year and will be a free agent at season’s end. This past year he posted a 12-13 record and 4.48 ERA over 191.0 innings (31 starts) with 5.9 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9. Already the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox have been linked to Nolasco as potential suitors, though both will likely pursue other options first before turning their attention to the Marlins. The Colorado Rockies are another team that could potentially enter the discussions, given their interest in acquiring him last offseason (as suggested by Troy Renck of the Denver Post). Depending on what Miami is looking for in return here any number of teams could potentially inquire as team’s can never have enough pitching.

Morrison’s availability also doesn’t come as a surprise, mainly thanks to the team’s imperfect relationship with the outspoken 25 year old. Morrison hit .230/.308/.399 in 334 plate appearances this past season, before having his year cut short thanks to injury. Over the past three seasons he’s a .250/.339/.442 hitter who’s some decent flashes in left field, but many have wondering if his offensive output could increase if he were moved back to his natural position at first base. Morrison was first moved to the outfield in an effort to get his bat into the lineup with Gaby Sanchez locked in at first base. Sanchez is already gone (traded last July to Pittsburgh) and now Morrison may be next. He’s under team control for another three seasons so there could be any number of potential suitors for Morrison’s services.