Which Marlins Players Could be Traded Before Spring Training?

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MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Miami Marlins mascot Billy the Marlin before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park on September 24, 2014 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

As the days toward Spring Training get shorter, the Marlins likelihood of trading a player or two becomes that much greater.

If you are as excited as I am about the upcoming Major League Baseball season, then you know the Miami Marlins are only weeks away from the start of Spring Training down in Jupiter, Florida. And for the first time in the Derek Jeter era here in the Sunshine State, there is a real belief these Marlins will surprise some folks, regardless of whether this team makes the playoffs or not.

After 64 and 57 wins in the past two seasons, just getting to the 70-75 win plateau is a true reason to celebrate. The Marlins have worked this offseason to add players instead of subtracting prospects and veterans as they have done in years past.

Per MLB.com, here are a few things to know.

More from Marlins News

Spring Training report date – Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 12 to the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla. The first full-squad workout will be on Feb. 17.

First Spring Training game – The Marlins take on the split-squad Mets at 1:10 p.m. ET on Feb. 22 in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Miami’s first Grapefruit League home game is Feb. 23 against the reigning World Series-champion Nationals (split-squad) at 1:05 p.m. ET.

Opening Day –The 2020 season for the Marlins opens at 4:10 p.m. ET on March 26 against the Phillies at Marlins Park. Mattingly enters his fifth season with Miami.

The Marlins have many questions about their lineup and how the 26-man roster will work out. The team should carry 13 pitchers again this season, which makes the reserves the team keeps more valuable. And with better talent in camp, the decisions made will be harder.

A trade or two (or three) could happen before or during Spring Training. Here are four players who may be on the move.

Jose Urena

We have already addressed this, but it still needs to be said. There is no place for Jose Urena with the Marlins anymore. The team’s 2018 and 2019 Opening Day starter can be a dominant pitcher, but he also lacks consistency on the mound.

Urena could still be a valuable puzzle piece to a contending team in need of a back-end starter or someone who becomes a long reliever. Because his chance to become the Marlins closer evaporated almost as quickly as his first appearance in September, it is unlikely he would fill that role somewhere else.

But he does have trade value, so he could be the first player discussed in a deal prior to the start of Spring Training.

Adam Conley

I am still not clear on how Adam Conley remains a piece of the Marlins bullpen future after his worst season in a Miami uniform. I had to read what Joe Frisaro of MLB.com had to say to help me with this one.

“Conley certainly had his struggles in 2019, posting a 6.53 ERA and a 1.73 WHIP in 60 2/3 innings. Still, he’s a left-hander with a mid-90s fastball and is affordable in arbitration,” he writes. “Conley has struggled putting things together to enjoy sustainable success.”

Maybe this is a case where a change of scenery will do the pitcher some good and if there is a team out there willing to take a chance on him and his presence in the pen, then maybe a deal gets done.

Austin Dean

In 229 at-bats, Austin Dean has 10 home runs and a .229 batting average. With the team’s decision to sign Corey Dickerson and possibly bring in one more veteran outfielder, the 26-year-old will get limited chances to prove he is an every-day player for the Marlins.

Manager Don Mattingly did use Dean at first base at the end of the season, which was a solid move, but it also won’t amount to much is Jesus Aguilar proves to be the home-run threat the coaching staff and front office hope he becomes as the team’s new first baseman.

Dean’s versatility is an asset, but with Garrett Cooper and other outfielders who can play multiple positions, where does he fit? Another team could use his bat and his ability to play both corner outfield spots.

Garrett Cooper

I think this becomes more of a possibility if the Marlins continue to remain concerned about his health and whether or not Garrett Cooper is an every-day player.

Cooper started both 2018 and 2019 in right field on Opening Day, then suffered through injury-riddled seasons. The power in his bat is evident as he swatted 15 home runs last season. He is a solid hitter at the plate and gives you great effort in the field in either right or at first base.

The ball club has many players on the roster who fit into Cooper’s spot and with minor leaguers making a run at the 26-man roster, the decisions for Mattingly become harder this spring. The Marlins skipper is on record saying he does not believe Cooper will be a player the team can count on each day because he cannot stay healthy.

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