Will the Marlins and Yankees Become Trade Partners Again?

Will the Miami Marlins and New York once again talk about a trade that will help the AL East contender and aid Miami’s need for international cash?

It’s a scenario I thought about last week but did not write about until now. Given the quest by the Miami Marlins to continue to secure more international bonus money and the Yankees potentially needing a back up because of Didi Gregorius’s injury, will the two franchises once again engage in trade discussions?

The Gregorius injury wasn’t the centerpiece of my argument until about 25 minutes ago, but after reading several websites and New York’s potential need for depth in the infield, this makes sense in so many ways and leaves my blood pressure at a higher level. Trading with the Yankees last season was something that helped cripple the Marlins in 2018. It also helped New York reach the postseason.

I’m still fuming over the Giancarlo Stanton trade.

While down the road, Jorge Guzman will be a top-shelf starter or closer and Jose Devers is a star in the making, the balance of the deal still leads the Yankees for now.

Just like everyone else who is a Marlins fan, sometimes, I get tired of waiting for results.

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Trading Miguel Rojas to the Yankees (err) gives New York the veteran depth they need in the infield. In return, the Marlins receive more international bonus money to take a swing at Victor Victor Mesa, Victor Mesa, Jr., and Sandy Gaston.

"“MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro and EVTV’s Daniel Álvarez Montes both anticipate another Marlins trade, allowing them to take full command of the negotiations,” writes Ely Sussman of Fish Stripes. “While there are numerous possibilities involving either low-level prospects or expendable veterans, I’m seeing one obvious fit: Miguel Rojas to the New York Yankees."

The Marlins only trail Baltimore in international bonus money and after two deals this past week, have steadily gained on the American League team. Both franchises are said to be highly interested in all three Cuban prospects.

There are other possibilities for the Yankees, even working from within their own organization to fill the gap left by the Gregorius injury that will require Tommy John surgery. Somehow, I get a feeling a deal between Derek Jeter’s former team and his current “baby” will take place sometime soon.

Rojas had one of his best seasons in Miami in 2018, slashing .252/.297/.346 with 11 home runs. He is in his second season of arbitration eligibility. Also, manager Don Mattingly said he expects there to be a battle between the veteran and J.T. Riddle for the starting shortstop role with the team next season. Mattingly also said he does not expect to use a platoon system.

"“I think we’re probably better served if one guy is playing there most of the time, to be honest with you,” Mattingly said. “I think that’s a discussion going into the winter, trying to put that position in perspective on which way we want to go with it.”"

Rojas is projected to have an arbitration salary of $2.6 million. The Marlins may decide they want to use that money for other resources and take a chance on minor league prospects (Isan Diaz) instead of keeping the veteran.