Are the Miami Marlins Willing to Part With Starlin Castro?

It appears the Miami Marlins are willing to listen to offers for second baseman Starlin Castro, Kyle Newport of Bleacher Report has reported.

Castro was part of the deal that sent Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees this offseason. While he has had a solid season in south Florida, he expressed an interest in being traded before the start of Spring Training. His veteran presence in the Marlins lineup has helped to ease the presence of youngsters who are still learning to play on the Major League level.

It was Craig Mish of Sirus XM who broke the news on his Twitter account.  Castro could be traded to a playoff contender looking for a solid bat and defensive presence around the diamond. Castro has hit the ball well this season, just ending an eight-game hitting streak. Per Newport, he has hit seven home runs, 22 doubles, and one triple. He has four All-Star selections on his resume, including one last season.

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While Castro may be on the move, the Marlins may receive calls in regard to their bullpen. It is believed Brad Ziegler is also on the trading block as he will be a free agent at the end of this season. One of the reasons why the Marlins may be willing to part with their new addition is his salary in the next two seasons.

Castro is owed $11 million in 2019 and there is a team option for $20 million in 2020. Team owner Derek Jeter cut payroll over the course of the offseason to eliminate $50 million in player salaries this season.

The news of Ziegler potentially being traded isn’t surprising. The 38-year-old struggled as the team’s closer until he was replaced as the ninth-inning specialist by Kyle Barraclough, who is also being touted as a potential trade piece as well.

Next: Marlins To Use Caution Towards Trade Deadline

His ERA for the season is 4.50 overall but had a 7.88 ERA prior to June 1.

Once Ziegler became a set-up man, he has turned his season around so far, allowing one run since June 1. He is now making $9 million for this season before he is allowed to test the market in free agency.