Is it time for the Miami Marlins to trade Brad Ziegler to a contender?

It may be time for Miami to trade Brad Ziegler to a contender. In two seasons his ERA is 5.00 and he has blown six saves in a season and a half.

Prior to the 2017 season, Brad Ziegler signed a two-year deal worth $16 million with the Marlins. At that moment in time Miami appeared to have a chance at a playoff run. A roster that boasted stars such as Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna. All three of those names are gone and the Marlins are in a full blown rebuild courtesy of a new ownership group. With Miami at the beginning of a rebuild there is not necessarily a need for a 38-year old reliever in their bullpen. It would be best for the Marlins to move Ziegler and rely on other arms in their bullpen such as Kyle Barraclough and Drew Steckenrider.

Is there a market for Brad Ziegler?

Of course Ziegler has a market. Contending teams are always looking for help in their bullpen. In the modern age of baseball teams are relying on an army of relievers to finish out a game rather than just a guy or two. With the parade of relievers being trotted out nowadays, there is no such thing as too many arms in the bullpen. Adding Ziegler to a group of relievers on a contender can elevate a group tremendously.

Is there concern over disappointing numbers while with the Miami Marlins?

As mentioned above, Ziegler has not had a great experience in Miami. Ziegler’s ERA in 2017 was 4.79 while it is 5.26 this season. If Ziegler is moved to a contender, he will not be a closer. This is due to the fact that the majority of contenders already have established closers on their roster. Whether it is Aroldis Chapman in New York, or the duo of Cody Allen and Andrew Miller in Cleveland. Ziegler would play a supporting role and be used in select situations. Situations that would be rather brief and chosen carefully, like this one.

Brad Ziegler’s contract is what makes it possible

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Ziegler’s deal is over at the end of the season, which means he is rental for just a few months. While Miami will not necessarily get prime prospects for him, anything is better than nothing. Contending teams will be interested in an arm for the stretch run and Ziegler is just that. Playoff teams will soon be looking to build up their bullpens as the arms race is imminent. Ziegler could be a target by playoff contenders and when they come calling Miami should be ready to sell.

Check out our look at Miami’s current batch of prospects here.

Next: The Resurgence of Derek Dietrich

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