MLB Trade Rumors: Marlins Tell Braves Mike Dunn Not Being Traded

Jun 26, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Mike Dunn (40) pitches in the eighth against the Minnesota Twins at Marlins Park. The Marlins won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

In reliever Mike Dunn, the Miami Marlins have a highly valued commotidity on the trade market: a left-handed reliever. Teams like division rival Atlanta Braves are currently seeking such players to fill a major void in their bullpen.

Unforuntately for them, the Marlins have notified the Braves and other teams that Dunn will not be traded before next Wednesday’s trading deadline, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports.

"Former Brave Mike Dunn, now with the Marlins, also could have made sense, but the Marlins told the Braves they don’t plan to trade him."

The Marlins originally landed Dunn from the Braves, along with Omar Infante for Dan Uggla during the 2011 winter meetings. The Braves lost Johnny Venters for the season with an elbow injury and have been seeking a replacement all season long.

Dunn is enjoying the best season of his career, posting a 2.64 ERA and a 3.38 FIP. Although his strikeout rate is down compared to previous years, he has also lowered his walk rate and is inducing a career high 43% groundballs. Dunn struck out two Rockies in his most recent outing on Tuesday night.

Mike Dunn, who will be arbitration eligible for the first time next season, has been mentioned as a building block for the Marlins going forward, according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com:

"Giancarlo Stanton, Logan Morrison, Steve Cishek and Mike Dunn have all been mentioned in trade speculation. All four are eligible for arbitration next year. But the bottom line is all four are considered building blocks for the remainder of this year and in 2014. Don’t expect any of them to be dealt. Of course, a team willing to dramatically overpay could change things. But that is highly unlikely."

Unless the Braves or any other contending team decides to overpay for the services of Dunn, I would not expect the Marlins to bite.

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