Miami Marlins: How Kazmir Trade Influences Haren, Latos

Earlier today, the first chip fell. The 2015 MLB Trade Deadline activity is underway, and the Marlins are expected to play a big role.

To ‘break the ice,’ the Oakland A’s traded Scott Kazmir to the Astros in return for RHP Daniel Mengden and catcher Jacob Nottingham. 

Kazmir was among the extremely talented suspected trade candidates at the starting pitcher position. His company included Johnny Cueto, David Price, Cole Hamels, Mike Leake, Jeff Samardzija, and Carlos Carrasco…

…and of course, Dan Haren and Mat Latos. So how does this trade impact the prospect of Latos and Haren being dealt?

Significantly, actually. But not in specific to the pair of Marlins righties, however. This speeds up the trade activity in general. Focusing on the Marlins, this eliminates a possible trade to the Astros, while opening up options with other teams who intended to acquire Kazmir.

As far as clubs in need of pitching, the Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays present themselves as strong trade candidates. Beginning with Kansas City, the loss of Jason Vargas makes the Royals a potential match with Miami.

The Toronto Blue Jays have needed pitching for awhile. With possession of an incredibly explosive offense, the Jays don’t have an ace, so Cueto and Price may be in play for them. The Jays may prefer to acquire a fifth starter, which would open the door for the Marlins.

Here are the top five prospects in each organization according to MLB.com’s Prospect Watch:

Kansas City Royals: Raul Adalberto Mondesi (SS), Sean Manaea (LHP), Kyle Zimmer (RHP), Miguel Almonte (RHP), Hunter Dozier (3B)

Toronto Blue Jays: Daniel Norris (LHP), Dalton Pompey (OF), Jeff Hoffman (RHP), Max Pentecost (C), and Miguel Castro (RHP)

By no means does this mean either team is willing to give away a top five organizational prospect for Latos or Haren, but a package deal can be in place. Martin Prado, who could stand as a trade insert, would certainly be an upgrade to Kansas City’s infield. The Royals currently use Omar Infante (.231 AVG, .245 OBP, 0 HR, 25 RBI) at second base. The Blue Jays wouldn’t likely be interested in a package with Prado, due to Toronto’s already potent offense.

Among the players listed above, four of the ten could help fill the hole of young positional talent the Marlins lack in their farm system. The same can be said for the pitchers. In short, the Marlins need any type of young talent, and the availability of Mat Latos and Dan Haren may just be Miami’s key to building a new, young core.

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