Miami Marlins: Phelps dealt to Seattle for four prospects

As a number of deals have already been made, the Miami Marlins had been eerily silent ahead of the deadline. Their first move was made on Thursday.

When David Phelps became a member of the Miami Marlins, it signaled a clear attempt that the organization wanted to win right away. With a deal in place to send him to the Seattle Mariners, the orginization parts ways with him without having notched a winning season.

Phelps has been one of the Miami Marlins best arms out of the bullpen. In limited work as a starter, he performed well. The organization asked him to take on a number of different roles, and he has performed each without a hitch.

Shipping Phelps out west signals the first concrete evidence that the Marlins will be selling at the deadline.

The trade was first reported by Mark Feinsand early on Thursday. Talks have intensified as the day has gone on. Several hours later, the deal was reportedly close to being completed according to Yahoo!’s Jeff Passan.

On Thursday, the deal was completed. The Marlins sent reliever David Phelps to the Mariners for a haul of four prospects. Two are in the Mariners top 30, one is in their top 10. For Miami, it’s an acceptable trade, but not one that helps their pitching depth.

Who Miami gets in return

Miami wanted at least two top prospects in return for Phelps. They got on top prospect, one above average prospect, and two relatively mild ones.

Seattle is rich with outfielders at the top of their system, and Hernandez is considered the third best in their system. He was an international free agent signing, and has the tools to develop into an impressive Major Leaguer. He is a long way from being Major League ready.

Brandon Miller is the Mariners 16th ranked prospect. At 22 years old, he was the sixth round selection of the team in the 2016 draft. He has the potential to develop into a back of the rotation starter in a few years.

Next: Tough to be optimistic about Miami Marlins

There is never a shortage for quality relief pitching at the deadline. With more than 10-days before the deadline, Miami will likely have more members of the bullpen on the move soon.

A.J. Ramos was not included in this trade. He will likely be moved at some point soon as well. The wheeling and dealing has begun.

Phelps to the Mariners.