MLB Trade Rumors: Logan Morrison Generating Interest?
Sep 18, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Logan Morrison (5) tosses to the pitcher covering first base during the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 4-3 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
After a disappointing 2013 season for Logan Morrison, the Miami Marlins have been exploring their first base options, from Daniel Abreu to Mark Trumbo. While Co-Editor Chris Logel went over candidates for the Marlins to pursue in free agency to take over at first base for the team in 2014.
With all this rumored interest in outside options, one has to wonder what the Marlins will do with incumbent first baseman Logan Morrison. According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, LoMo has been generating a lot of trade interest at the GM Meetings.
Interesting to see Rosenthal call Morrison a “power” hitter, as his ISO of .133 ranked 37th of the 42 players with 300+ plate appearances. His career ISO does sit at .178 and moving him at this point would represent the Marlins selling LoMo at his lowest trade value.
I would be hesitant to move Morrison unless the right deal comes along, as I am still a believer that LoMo could break out in 2014. Steamer Projection projects him to hit .250/.341/.424 slash line with a .174 ISO in 2014 in 494 plate appearances.
A healthy off-season could go a long way for Morrison in helping him become the player that the Marlins envisioned when they first called him up during the 2010 season.
Of course, Morrison, who is never shy on Twitter, had this to say to Ken Rosenthal about him potentially being dealt:
Although this is the Marlins and they failed to secure a long term third baseman option after dealing Matt Dominguez and Hanley Ramirez a year and a half ago, I doubt the Marlins would move Morrison before making sure they have a backup plan at first base. The team currently has no strong options in the minors behind Morrison to represent the Marlins first baseman of the future.
What do you guys think? Should the Marlins be openly be shopping Morrison or is he someone that the team should bring back in 2014 and hope for a bounce back season.