Miami Marlins: One Blockbuster Trade Option the Marlins should at least Explore

The Miami Marlins, despite injuries affecting the roster up to this point, are firmly in the mix in a loaded NL East in 2021.

The Miami Marlins currently sit at 23-24 overall, and are ranked 2nd in the NL East, arguably the best division top-to-bottom in baseball this season. As mentioned previously, this is mainly without the services of starting outfielder Starling Marte and top prospect Sixto Sanchez, as well as numerous missed games from the likes of Jazz Chisholm, Jorge Alfaro, and more.

With these players all close to returning to the Marlins’ everyday lineup in the very near future, we will see just how good this Miami team can be in 2021 at full strength. This however will also present an opportunity to see where GM Kim Ng will need to improve the roster at the MLB Trade Deadline in order to contend for the postseason.

Miami is already a very good team, and you could make the argument that they are one of the most underrated in all of baseball.

However, how does this team go from good to great in 2021? From becoming a team in question to make it to October, to arguably becoming a lock for postseason baseball?

While it is still early on in the season for trade talk, this move already appears quite simple if you ask me. Pick up the phone, and make one phone call.

The Miami Marlins should call the Chicago Cubs.

There is no question that the future direction of the Cubs franchise is in doubt as to where they go from here. After a few recent roster moves made over the past year or two, the future of a few players in Chicago has come into question, in particular their young core that just won a World Series not too long ago.

That is why Miami should pick up the phone, and check on the availability of two of the Cubs’ stars, 3B Kris Bryant and C Willson Contreras.

Think about it, if the Marlins are clearly one to two big pieces away after the next two months at the Trade Deadline, why not call about Bryant and Contreras?

Bryant, a former NL MVP and 3-time NL All-Star, would give Miami an elite-level third baseman who is currently putting up some of the best numbers of his career. Yes, Bryant is set to enter free agency at the end of the 2021 season, but if there is an opportunity to win now, they have to at least explore their options.

Contreras, a 2-time All Star catcher, would 100% become the starter and give the Marlins one of the best overall catchers in the game. You could argue that catcher is one of Miami’s biggest current needs on the roster, why not explore the option to acquire one of the best catchers in the game that you would still have under control for another year?

Now I’m not saying that the Marlins should trade for them, I’m saying they should at least explore the option. However, if they do make the deal, you can’t get more of an instant upgrade at arguably two positions of need greater than acquiring Bryant and Contreras.

If the Cubs begin to fall in the standings, and eventually sell at the Deadline, the Miami Marlins 100% have the pieces to make that trade work. Yes, you would most likely have to give up a few notable players or top prospects to make it work, but if the opportunity is there, you have to take advantage of it.

Both Bryant and Contreras have extensive postseason experience, and know what it takes to win a World Series. Looking ahead, these two will arguably be two of the biggest names floated around at the Deadline. If the opportunity is there, the Miami Marlins should at least explore their options.