Miami Marlins Trade Rumors: Is Steckenrider Headed To Boston?

Eight days and counting. As the MLB trade deadline continues to make headlines with players from the Miami Marlins drawing interest, the ante was raised when it comes to letting reliever Drew Steckenrider go.

According to Chris Cotillo of masslive.com, the Miami Marlins were bullish in trade talks for the team’s main setup man. It would take more than one player to pry Drew Steckenrider from south Florida.

"“The Miami Marlins indicated to the Boston Red Sox that either Jay Groome or Michael Chavis would not be enough to obtain setup man Drew Steckenrider in a trade, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com,” Cotillo wrote."

Steckenrider is not the only Miami reliever involved in trade rumors, but this is the first time where a known team was named as having an interest in a specific pitcher. The Red Sox, leaders of the American League East, are looking to slam the door on the New York Yankees and a division title.

It also appears relievers are the desired players for a majority of playoff contenders since the market for starting pitchers is bleak.

Cotillo explains that the Marlins could let go of the rookie, but the price for the deal will be higher than many expected.

"“Miami’s stance shows the high price for controllable relievers on the trade market, as Groome and Chavis are widely considered the top two prospects in Boston’s system,” Cotillo added."

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Boston, Atlanta, and other teams may also have an interest in Brad Ziegler, who is a free agent after this season. Steckenrider is still a controlled player, which may be the reason the price is so high.

Kyle Barraclough could still be on the trade market, but many MLB insiders believe the asking price would be more than many teams would be willing to spend.

“Steckenrider is under contract through 2023, giving him value on a market flush with rental bullpen options,” said Cotillo. “The righty is in his second full major-league season, owning a 3.48 ERA and 10.4 K/9 in 44 innings on the year.”

The asking price for Ziegler may be less, given Miami may want to recoup players in return for a reliever who may not be on the roster in 2019.

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Ziegler played for a season for Boston in 2016. In December of the same year, he signed with the Marlins.