Miami Marlins: 6 Star-Caliber Players to Consider Trading Pitching Depth For

The Miami Marlins have already made two notable moves leading up to the July 30th MLB Trade Deadline flipping outfielder Starling Marte and closer Yimi Garcia. Could there be more on the way?

Obviously the Marlins will be notable sellers as they are likely out of postseason contention, but could they be buyers as well?

With the team ready to contend in 2022, it makes sense that Miami buys while looking toward next season. However, the one clear thing that the Marlins need to target is a big-time bat in the lineup.

Could the Miami Marlins trade for a star hitter?

We recently put out a tweet highlighting the notable pitching depth that Miami currently has in their system. While the Marlins have numerous star young pitchers, not all of them will feature at the big league level.

Because of this, it makes sense for Miami to trade for at-least 1-2 star players who can help them offensively going forward. While unknown when or if the Marlins would pull off a trade for a big-time bat, it certainly feels bound to happen at some point.

So, here are six star-caliber players that the Miami Marlins could possibly trade some of their pitching depth to potentially acquire.

6. C Willson Contreras

2021 Season Stats: .233 AVG, .344 OBP, .430 SLG, .774 OPS, 16 HR, 35 RBI, 4 SB

Arguably the top catcher that Miami could realistically get via a trade is Contreras, one of the top two-way catchers in baseball. In fact, when looking at a potential fit between the Marlins and Contreras, bringing the two-time All-Star and former World Series Champion to Miami is a move that makes sense for multiple reasons.

Still only 29-years old, Contreras is under control for the 2022 season, and would be an instant upgrade at catcher for the Marlins, a position that arguably needs it going into next season. Contreras is a name that has been mentioned as possibly being available at the deadline, and is a catcher that Miami could easily go get to provide an instant upgrade.

5. OF Byron Buxton

2021 Season Stats: .369 AVG, .409 OBP, .767 SLG, 1.176 OPS, 10 HR, 19 RBI, 5 SB

Buxton has been discussed previously as a long-term option for Miami in center field, and the likelihood that he gets traded is increasing after Buxton and Minnesota were unable to agree on an extension. However, if a Buxton trade happens, it will most-likely come in the offseason rather than the deadline.

Before landing on the 10-day IL, Buxton was enjoying a massive breakout season for the Twins slashing .369/.409/.767 across 103 at-bat’s. While the injury concern will be there, there in no denying that Buxton would instantly provide elite defense and speed in center field, along with improving power offensively.

2. OF Ketel Marte

2021 Season Stats: .370 AVG, .419 OBP, .556 SLG, .974 OPS, 4 HR, 21 RBI

Similar to Reynolds previously, would the Diamondbacks even consider trading Marte? Under team control for one more season with a team option for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, a Marte trade is unknown if it will happen, and it will also most-likely cost more than Reynolds.

Currently on the IL, Marte was one of the hottest hitters in baseball before suffering an injury, and would instantly become Miami’s arguably most-impactful hitter. If the Marlins want to make the biggest splash when acquiring a long-term center fielder, there might not be a better option than the 27-year old slugger.

1. SS Trea Turner

2021 Season Stats: .322 AVG, .369 OBP, .521 SLG, .890 OPS, 18 HR, 49 RBI, 21 SB

The Nationals shortstop’s name has been floated around over the past couple of days in trade talks, and would arguably be the biggest name available at the deadline. Could Miami potentially make a move for the Florida-native?

Turner is still under team-control for the 2022 season, and would instantly takeover as the Marlins shortstop giving Miami one of the best in baseball. While it’s unsure on what Washington may do with the 28-year old, there is no denying that he would be a true game-changer at the top of the Miami Marlins 2022 lineup.