MLB Trade Rumors: Miami Marlins Expected to Stand Pat at Trade Deadline

Jul 30, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) watches game action during the second inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The 4:00 PM EST trade deadline is expected to come and pass with any movement from the Miami Marlins. According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, the team currently has no interest in trading any of their players at the moment. That includes Giancarlo Stanton, Steve Cishek, Chad Qualls, and even the Greg Dobbs.

A scout told Clark they aren’t moving anyone:

"“They’re telling us they want to stand pat,” said one major league scout. “And we’ve asked on everyone (including Stanton and Qualls).”"

The Marlins goal right now is to win as many games as possible for the rest of the season. They believe that is the best course for their rebuilding program. The “Marlins Way” always seems to be a bit off of what is concerned as a norm in baseball. If I were the Marlins right now, I would be fielding calls on every player and gauging the potential interest, especially in relievers Cishek and Dunn.

Here is a quick overview of the latest rumors on some Marlins players:

Giancarlo Stanton:

From the Pittsburgh Pirates and Texas Rangers calling every week to the Boston Red Sox willing to offer “whatever it takes,” the interest in Stanton is certainly there. The Marlins however feel Stanton is going to be a key part of their next winning team, the team hopes that is by 2015. Unless a team literally empties it’s farm for Stanton, the Marlins have no real reason to trade Stanton before the off-season. It’s expected the Fish offer Stanton an extension in the off-season, and even if he turns it down, he’s no guarantee to be traded anytime soon.

Jul 30, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Steve Cishek (31) sits in the dugout during the tenth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. The Mets won 4-2 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Cishek and Mike Dunn:

Both these bullpen arms have been mentioned as building blocks for the Marlins going forward. Cishek has delivered a strong season as the Marlins closer and would require a top prospect for his services. He will be arbitration eligible for the first time this off-season and the Marlins have no real incentive to trade him at this time.

Mike Dunn is exactly what every contending team is looking for on the trade market right now, a talented lefty reliever. The Marlins value Dunn as much as the contending teams do, despite his concerning drop in strikeouts in 2013. Dunn is having a strong season and would also be able to land the Marlins a decent prospect in an overpay.

Chad Qualls:

Other teams have been told that Qualls is only available if a team overpays for his services. That is unlikely, as Qualls has been a mediocre pitcher for most of his career. He is having a strong 2013 campaign and could bring something in trade value for the Fish, but they are not interested in trading him. Of all the players the Marlins are not willing to move, this makes the least sense, as Qualls is a free agent at the end of the season and is unlikely to comeback to Miami.

Ryan Webb:

Webb has been on the trade market all season long, it seems like. The Marlins have been considering trading Webb because, he like the other players mentioned above is arbitration eligible for the first time this off-season. Of all the relievers, he is the most likely to be dealt, as the Marlins are unlikely to pay him the salary he will command next season.

Justin Ruggiano:

The Yankees and Rangers were interested in Ruggiano’s services earlier this month, but the talk surrounding the outfielder has died down, as he continues to struggle, as he is in the middle of a 0-for-33 and 1 for his last 42. Ruggiano still has some upside, as he has proven to be a better hitter outside of Miami and is under team control for three more seasons. The Rangers still have some interest in the righty bat, but he is likely one of their last options.

Juan Pierre and Placido Polanco:

ESPN’s Buster Olney tweeted that the Marlins were gauging the interest on the trade market for these two yesterday afternoon.

The Marlins will likely need a strong detector of some sort to be able to find the interest in Pierre, as he has clearly shown the only thing he can do now is steal bases. Pierre has struggled to hit and his fielding has left much to be desired.

Polanco could potentially still draw interest, but he is unlikely to bring back much. Still, of all the Marlins players, Polanco’s the one that has the best shot of being traded.

Greg Dobbs:

This final one is only here because nothing would make me happier than to see Dobbs in a non-Marlins uniform. Dobbs, like Pierre and Polanco, does not offer much of anything to the Marlins on the field right now. It aggravates me to see his name in the lineup. I apologize to Dobbs, as I believe he probably is a great guy, but he’s just one of those players I don’t enjoy to watch play.

Final Prediction: The Marlins find trade partners for Polanco and Webb. Stanton, Cishek, Dunn, and Ruggiano will all don Marlins uniforms at game time and hopefully lead the Fish to a win tonight over the New York Mets.