5 Marlins Players Who Likely Won't Survive the 2025 Trade Deadline

Here we go again. Another summer, another Miami Marlins roster about to get gutted. It's become an all-too-familiar tradition for Marlins fans: trades everywhere once June and July get here, and hope for a solid draft in mid-July. With the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaching fast and the Marlins already deep in the cellar of the NL East, the front office is signaling they're ready to sell–and this year, the bait includes some pretty big names.

1. Sandy Alcantara

The most notable (and heartbreaking) trade chip might be Sandy Alcantara. The 2022 NL Cy Young winner hasn't returned to his peak form following Tommy John surgery, but the interest is still there. Sandy's posted an 8.47 ERA and 1.67 WHIP through 11 starts this season–below average numbers for a pitcher still trying to find his rhythm after a year away from the game.

His team-friendly contract (locked in through 2026 with a 2027 club option) makes him incredibly attractive for contenders looking to shore up their rotation long-term. He's not just a rental–he's a potential ace for a new club.

2. Edward Cabrera

Another name being floated around is Edward Cabrera, who continues to flash electric stuff with some inconsistencies. Through 8 starts, Cabrera has a 4.73 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 40 innings–but he's also walked 16. However, in May, he has a 2.53 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 21.1 innings and five walks. The potential is still there for Cabrera, who has developed a nice curveball and a changeup (.087 BAA this season) that has reached 98 mph this season.

But, maybe another organization can unlock what Miami hasn't; Cabrera is still just 27, and with years of control left, the return package could be a lot better than most people would think.

3. Anthony Bender

The bullpen will also be up for grabs, and Anthony Bender might be one of the first out the door. The hard-throwing righty has posted a 1.59 ERA and has been a very reliable arm in the middle to late innings this year. He doesn't carry the closer buzz anymore, but he's shown that he can come in during high-leverage moments to get the job done.

Teams chasing October are always looking for bullpen depth, and Bender could fetch a mid-level prospect or two at the moment.

4. Nick Fortes

Then there’s Nick Fortes, quietly emerging as one of the more reliable defensive catchers in the National League. While his bat has lagged (.196 average, 1 home run), his true value isn’t found in the stat sheet. Fortes has built strong, trusted relationships with the pitching staff, so much so that Miami has kept three catchers on the active roster just to maintain his presence behind the plate. Moving him would deal a serious blow to team chemistry, especially with no clear upgrade ready to handle the day-to-day responsibilities of managing this rotation.

The Marlins would be wise to hang onto him–but if they did decide to get rid of him, then Liam Hicks and Agustin Ramirez would both get equal playing time and the opportunity to become the amazing one-two punch of the future.

5. Ryan Weathers

Ryan Weathers is another complicated case. He's been one of the few bright spots in the rotation, with a 1.15 ERA over three starts, and his velocity and command have both ticked up from previous seasons. Even though Weathers had an injury situation up until mid-May, when he made his first start of the season against the Chicago Cubs, he's under team control through 2028. He also doesn't have to be dealt, but given Miami's determination to replenish its farm system, there's buzz that teams could overwhelm the Marlins with offers.

Still, trading him now would feel like abandoning a long-term project just as it’s finally starting to pay off.

In a Sea of Uncertainty, Some Anchors Should Stay

For once, it'd be nice to see Miami build around a few guys instead of treating everyone like a trade chip. Cabrera and Weathers, especially, should be a part of the solution–not more collateral damage in another teardown. The fanbase is tired of seeing promising talent leave for prospects who might never pan out.

This doesn't mean standing pat is the answer either. Selling off expiring contracts and injury-plagued veterans makes sense. But if Miami wants to earn back fan trust, they need to stop flipping every valuable piece like it's just another player that won't be good in five years. Yes, trades are a part of the game–but so is accountability, vision, and dare I say, some loyalty to the players and fans who've stuck around for multiple rebuilds.

There's still a core here that could matter. Let's just hope this time, the front office can take a page out of the Florida Panthers' book and see it too.