Starlin Castro, Brad Ziegler Front and Center of Marlins Trade Rumors
Bleacher Report’s Kyle Newport is reporting the Miami Marlins are willing to deal both Starlin Castro and Brad Ziegler as part of the latest trade rumors involving the organization.
Newport wrote that Craig Mish of Sirius XM posted on his Twitter account the Miami Marlins have placed both Castro and Ziegler on the trading block.
Other Miami players have been discussed as possible trade pieces, including Drew Steckenrider, who the Boston Red Sox are said to be interested in, per Chris Cotillo of masslive.com. Miami would entertain an offer from the American League East ballclub if the offer was greater than just one player in return.
The chances of moving Starlin Castro, Brad Ziegler or both are greater given their status after the 2018 season. Ziegler, who was the team’s closer to begin the season before losing the role to Kyle Barraclough, is a free agent. Miami may want to acquire prospects in return for the reliever before he hits the open market.
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Castro, who was part of the deal that sent Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees, is owed more than $11 million next season. Miami has a team option in 2020 that would pay him $16 million. The veteran second baseman voiced his displeasure for being traded from the Yankees and looked to be traded before the start of Spring Training.
“The 28-year-old ranks third in the National League in hits and owns a .297 average on the season, Newport wrote. “He has added seven home runs, 22 doubles, and one triple. He has four All-Star selections on his resume, including one last season.”
Ziegler went into this season knowing he could be dealt this season but wanted to stay with the organization for now. He has a $9 million salary for this season. The submarine-style pitcher has produced the third-most double plays in baseball this season.
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Right-handed hitters have a .221 average against him this season. Ziegler played for Oakland, Arizona, and Boston before signing with the Marlins in December of 2016.