How the Marlins and NL East Size Up at the Trade Deadline

The Miami Marlins may be the most popular team in the National League East as the MLB Trade Deadline approaches at what seems to be the speed of sound.

If the other four ball clubs in the division all seek to improve their position, the Miami Marlins could hear a phone ring or two with representatives of either the Washington Nationals or the Atlanta Braves seeking to add a bat or reliever to make a run toward the playoffs.

There are plenty of players who may be on the auctioning block, all participating in the newest version of “Let’s Make A Deal” with Derek Jeter or Michael Hill playing the role of Monte Hall.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com thinks both teams could make serious moves, along with the Philadelphia Phillies in an effort to make things interesting over the next 60-plus games of the season.

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"“As the Nationals enter the second half attempting to live up to expectations and defend their National League East crown, they are looking up at the Phillies, who want to make a significant acquisition, and the Braves, who have the prospect currency necessary to make a big deal before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline,” Bowman writes."

The Marlins also have currency (pitchers) that may be of help to their division rivals and other teams in the League needing a push to get to the finish line. I’m not sure making a trade within the division is such a good idea.

According to whoever speaks about the subject, will certainly be “sellers” before the end of July. They have no intention of taking on payroll and will seek more prospects (stop me if you have heard this before) for their future plans.

Bowman believes the Braves will look to add depth to its bullpen and could inquire about Kyle Barraclough. Atlanta is one of only a handful of teams with enough depth to offer a package of players to make a deal like that happen.

Barraclough is not the only player on the Braves’ radar.

"“The Braves have the prospect pool necessary to pursue veteran relievers like Zach Britton or Joakim Soria,” writes Bowman. “The club will also keep tabs on Kyle Barraclough and Craig Stammen, who have the ability to add depth to a young ‘pen.”"

Atlanta can offer the Marlins more pitching prospects, which is something owner Derek Jeter put a premium on when he dismantled the team prior to the 2018 season.

The Nationals could look for relief help as well but are also in the market for more bats in the lineup or another backstop. J.T. Realmuto may still be in play, as the two teams danced around a potential trade before the start of spring training.

"“There’s no doubt the Nationals want to acquire a catcher. They have inquired about a reunion with currently injured Wilson Ramos, but their top target is J.T. Realmuto,” Bowman added. “To get the All-Star catcher from the Marlins, Washington would almost certainly have to part with top prospect Victor Robles, who may at least be more expendable now that Juan Soto has been successful at the Major League level. There may also be a desire to add a starter.”"

Next: Marlins Win First Game of the Second Half

The one team that may follow the same path as the Marlins is the New York Mets. After a solid start to the season, the team has plummeted, allowing many suitors to decide if they can package the right deal for many of the franchises starting pitchers?

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