Miami Marlins: 3 trade proposals with the Texas Rangers

A few days ago, our friends over at Nolan Writin’ put out a list of three trade proposals between the Texas Rangers and the Miami Marlins.

The Rangers you could certainly argue would be an intriguing trade partner for Miami as a team that has a nice mix of veterans and MLB ready prospects, and could be ready to contend going forward after an offseason headlined by notable additions such as Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.

So, let’s take Nolan Writin’s original three trade proposals, and offer our thoughts on the offers, as well as make some potential tweaks if needed. (NOTE: Proposed trades in this article are from Nolan Writin’s original proposals – The original article with their thoughts on each can be found here)

3 trade proposals between the Miami Marlins and Texas Rangers

Miami Marlins/Texas Rangers Trade Proposal No. 1

The Marlins will likely trade at-least one starter at some point in the near future, potentially even before the 2022 season begins. When looking for the most-likely player to be dealt, Hernandez is the likeliest answer, and could be an intriguing piece to multiple teams as an experienced option who doesn’t walk many batters, is under control for multiple seasons, and is still only 26-years-old.

As for what Miami would get in return for the right-hander, the piece that Nolan Writin’ mentioned as the focal-point would be Wendzel, a player that would be a nice addition to the Marlins farm system if it happened.

The Rangers current No. 11 overall prospect, Wendzel is a 24-year-old infielder who saw time at third base, second base, and shortstop during the 2021 season, one that included a combined .745 OPS and a rise to the Triple-A level late in the year. While it was only a 63-game sample size, the former first round pick out of Baylor is one of the top overall hitters in Texas’ system, and as our friends at Nolan Writin’ mentioned in their piece, would likely either enter Miami’s Top 10 prospects if a deal is done, or sit just outside the Top 10.

As for the other player in the deal, Calhoun is a player who has struggled at times since making his MLB debut in 2017, but did hit 21 home runs in 83 games back in 2019, and would also give Miami another option in left field. However, due to Miami’s crowded corner outfield and potential DH picture at the moment, the Marlins could also opt-to acquire a different depth option, or possibly a lower-level prospect.

This trade you could certainly argue does not need any changes from Miami’s point of view. Flipping Hernandez to Texas for Wendzel and Calhoun would not only free up a potential spot in a crowded rotation, but would also acquire a versatile infielder who will be MLB ready in the next 1-2 years, as well as a depth option in the outfield.

Miami Marlins/Texas Rangers Trade Proposal No. 3

The final trade proposal between the Marlins and Rangers presented by Nolan Writin’ was for Cooper, an outfielder/first baseman who is under control for the next two seasons.

Coming off a strong 2021 season that was cut short due to an injury, the 31-year-old could surely return to Miami in 2022, but could also garner attention from teams around the league if made available. As for what the Marlins would get in a potential trade, it would not be near as much as the previously mentioned Sanchez deal, but would still be a notable return.

The main return mentioned by Nolan Writin’ would come from Hauver and Apostel, two Top 20 prospects in the Rangers system, both of which could make an impact in the major leagues in the next 1-2 years. When looking at those two, you could certainly argue that a deal could get done at that point, but if the Marlins wanted more for Cooper, including Crim would likely complete it.

The 24-year-old first baseman has done nothing but hit since being drafted by Texas in the 19th round back in 2019 out of Mississippi College, and is coming off a phenomenal 2021 season (.296/.358/.548 with 29 HR in 108 games). One of the fastest risers in Texas’ system, the Rangers could be reluctant to include Crim as a third piece for Cooper, but if they did, it would be a noteworthy return.

As for if this deal could happen, Cooper will surely be a sought-after piece around the league if made available. The two prospects in Hauver and Apostel would already be a strong get for the Marlins if it happens, but if Crim is included also, this is certainly a move that you could argue Miami should make.

Could any of these three potential trade proposals submitted by our friends at Nolan Writin’ happen this offseason between the Miami Marlins and Texas Rangers?