MLB Trade Rumors: Rangers, Yankees Interested in Justin Ruggiano

Jul 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Justin Ruggiano (20) hits a three-run home run in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Ruggiano‘s name has surfaced on the trade market and Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers have expressed interest in the right handed outfielder.

"The Rangers and Yankees are among the clubs that have expressed interest in trading for Marlins outfielder Justin Ruggiano, according to major league sources.Ruggiano, a right-handed hitter who is batting .260 with a .763 OPS, would make a good platoon partner for David Murphy in Texas."

Ruggiano for the season owns a .225/.290/.414 slash line and leads the Marlins with 12 home runs. He has also stolen 9 bases and provides strong defense in all three outfield positions. But with promotions for the Marlins top outfield prospects on the horizon, trading Ruggiano makes a ton of sense right now.

Top prospects Christian Yelich and Jake Marisnick are right around the corner for the Miami Marlins. Yelich is still on a rehabilitation assignment with the Marlins High-A team, the Jupiter Hammerheads. Like I mentioned in the BA midseason prospect ranking article from this morning, Yelich should be ready sometime in late-July to early August.

Marisnick is making a great case for a promotion in the near future, as he is hitting as well as anyone currently in the Southern League.

Not sure what kind of return the Marlins woild look for in a trade for Ruggiano, but one would have to think pitcing depth after their Ricky Nolasco trade a few weeks ago. The Marlins, smartly, have decided that there can never be too much pitching depth in the organization.

For more on the Ruggiano rumor and all other Marlins rumors leading up to the July 31st deadline, stay tuned to Marlin Maniac.