Pitchers Mcgowan, Axelrod ink deals with Marlins

Besides lighting the world on fire with rumors, it’s been a quiet winter meetings for the Miami Marlins. With Marcell Ozuna and Jose Fernandez popping up in trade rumors, the Marlins have been in the rumors but no major transactions have been completed. Today the Marlins added two pitchers to their hoard of organizational talent they’ve collected since the beginning of free agency.

33 year-old Dustin McGowan spent seven seasons north of the border in Toronto as a reliever for the Blue Jays. McGowan’s best season in Toronto came in 2014 when he appeared in 53 games for the Blue Jays and amassed a 4.17 ERA before heading to Philadelphia. where he struggled mightily appearing in 14 games and collecting an ugly 6.94 ERA. McGowan was signed more than likely as MILB pitching depth, but if he can turn things around he could find himself in the Marlins bullpen.

The Marlins also acquired 30 year-old right-handed pitcher Dylan Axelrod. Axelrod, an enigmatic player has struggled with injuries the past few seasons has found his way into the Miami organization. After a promising 2014 campaign in which he went 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA Axelrod looked to pick things up in 2015. Unfortunately, injuries slowed him to a crawl only appearing in six games for the Reds and putting up a 7.30 ERA.

Both pitchers had rough 2015 campaigns, and both have showed promise and are looking to get back on track. McGowan showed promise in his seasons with Toronto, and Axelrod has proved to be a strikeout artist and has surrendered very few walks in his appearances. Both are good organizational depth who could potentially see time in the majors if an injury were to occur in the Marlins bullpen.