Miami Marlins: 3 trade proposals with the Cleveland Guardians

As we have talked about here previously, it seems likely that the Miami Marlins will make another significant trade before the 2022 season begins, even after having already made two to acquire Jacob Stallings and Joey Wendle.

When looking for potential trade partners, teams such as the Orioles and Pirates will obviously stick-out due to the need for Miami in centerfield, but one team that might not come to mind at first that could be a trade partner are the Cleveland Guardians.

No, Cleveland does not necessarily have a long-term option in centerfield that the Marlins would likely want, but the Guardians do have a few other pieces that would definitely intrigue Miami. So, after talking with our friends at Away Back Gone about who could potentially be available, as well as what the Guardians could want in return, here are three trade proposals that we have compiled between the Miami Marlins and the Cleveland Guardians.

3 trade proposals between the Miami Marlins and the Cleveland Guardians

Miami Marlins/Cleveland Guardians Trade Proposal No. 3

When looking at the first trade proposal between the two teams, it might not be the most “eye-popping” move, but is a deal that would benefit both teams.

The Marlins would receive Sandlin, a former second round pick by Cleveland back in 2018 who made his major league debut during the 2021 season. A 25-year-old right-hander, Sandlin has worked solely as a reliever since making his professional debut in 2018, and is coming off an impressive rookie campaign that included a 2.94 ERA with a 34 K% across 33.2 IP.

In return, Cleveland would receive Jackson, a 26-year-old catcher whom Miami received from the Braves in the Adam Duvall trade at last years trade deadline, as well as a lower-level outfield prospect such as Encarnacion.

With the acquisition of Stallings, as well as notable prospects such as Payton Henry and Nick Fortes also major league ready, Jackson could potentially be the odd man out after struggling in 2021 (.538 OPS in 42 games). Because of this, the Marlins could opt-to trade Jackson at some point, depending on who claims the backup job behind Stallings in spring training.

The Marlins already display a strong bullpen, and adding Sandlin would only strengthen that. As for Cleveland, potentially acquiring Jackson would give the Guardians another MLB ready option at catcher alongside Austin Hedges to avoid rushing prospects Bo Naylor and Bryan Lavastida to the big leagues.

Miami Marlins/Cleveland Guardians Trade Proposal No. 1

We have already mentioned previously about the Marlins potentially adding to what-is an already strong bullpen. If Miami chooses to do that in a trade with the Guardians, any of their two closing options would make sense, but Karinchak is the more-likely to happen than Emmanuel Clase.

After a phenomenal 2020 rookie season, Karinchak got-off to another strong start to the 2021 season, but struggled to finish the year where the right-hander finished with a 4.07 ERA with 11 saves. Losing the closing role to Clase late in the year in the process, as well as being optioned to Triple-A at one point, the 26-year-old could be available coming off a down year, and is a move Miami should consider if available.

While not near as high of a price compared to Ramirez previously, Cleveland would still want a notable return for the young reliever who is under team control through the 2026 season. The Guardians need help in a few notable places, in particular the outfield, so why not the previously mentioned Cooper?

Coming off a strong 2021 season (.284/.380/.465 before suffering injury), Cooper is an experienced option that Cleveland could use at either first base, right field, or DH. A proven major league bat who doesn’t become a free agent until 2024, Cooper is a player the Guardians could build around, in addition to their up-and-coming younger players.

While a one-for-one proposal would likely result in the Guardians wanting a bit more in return for Karinchak, the Marlins could also include Neidert, Miami’s No. 12 prospect who is major league ready right now, as well as possibly another lower-level prospect.

Whenever the offseason resumes, could the Miami Marlins and Cleveland Guardians make any of these three trades?