Marlins Rumors: Will the team move Caleb Smith?

Many MLB teams are still looking to make a deal involving Marlins starting pitcher Caleb Smith.

The Miami Marlins may not want to make a move to trade one of their young pitchers this offseason, but that does not mean other MLB teams haven’t asked how to take one or more of them off their hands.

Such is the case when it comes to Caleb Smith, who is still drawing interest from teams looking for a quality strikeout pitcher who should be the Marlins No. 2 man in the rotation behind Sandy Alcantara.

Unless there is a deal out there that wows the front office to the point of no return.

"“Smith, 28, is the veteran at the front of their young group, and his trade value remains high due to having just over two years of service time,” TC Zencka of mlbtraderumors.com wrote. “He struggled with the long ball in 2019, but it was an overall successful campaign: 10-11, 28 starts, 4.52 ERA/5.11 FIP, 153 1/3 innings. Smith definitely made strides in securing his spot as a major leaguer, though it would not be surprising were the Marlins to pivot and decide to move him.”"

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The Marlins don’t want to part with players, especially pitchers, who they can control contractually. But if the move to bring in a power hitter is offered to the ball club, you would think the Derek Jeter and Michael Hill would consider the options.

Miami is still in need of power in the middle of the order, another outfielder, depth at catcher and a closer and bullpen depth. The needs are many. The team’s stance of sitting and waiting to develop talent through their minor league system still remains firm, but it is also softened a bit by Hill’s comments this offseason that the franchise will look at all options to make the team better in 2020.

As the third year approaches in the Jeter-led movement to make baseball better in South Florida, the time is now to see an uptick in wins and development on the Major League level.

"“Regardless, President of Baseball Ops Michael Hill suggested the Marlins are secure in their starting options heading into 2020, and they’re unlikely to make a major acquisition,” Zencka added."

The fact Jordan Yamamoto, Robert Dugger, Elieser Henandez and Pablo Lopez all have starting experience from last season means there are other options for the coaching staff to choose from, but no one from that list is a dominant starter – yet.

The Marlins could still weigh in on signing a starter to stabilize the rotation. The team should also look to add an arm or two to the bullpen in the next few weeks. The need to bring in better offensive players continues to be a front office priority.