3 shortstop trade targets the Marlins need to focus on

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The Miami Marlins are without a starting shortstop after the New York Mets signed the former Marlins starter Joey Wendle. Now Peter Bendix needs to find a replacement and the free agent market leaves a lot to be desired, so a trade is the likely source. There are three potential trade options the Marlins could peruse, with high upside. Willy Adames is the best known candidate, but here are three you might not know.

The Marlins need to add a big bat and a starting shortstop via trade

Willy Adames is the most desired choice for Marlins fans but at what cost will he be available? If you look at Adames’ stats you will see he will be costly. Would the Marlins trade Jesus Luzardo for Willy Adames? If not, then he’s not a likely candidate and here’s why. Adames hit .217 last season with 24 home runs and 80 RBI. At shortstop that is amazing production and only a handful of guys can produce like that or close to it.

Peter Bendix knows the Marlins have a surplus in starting pitching and so it’s time to leverage that into a player of need. There are several teams that are looking for pitching but do they have a shortstop ready to go? Let’s hope so, and let’s hope soon! The Marlins have the deepest pitching staff and they have two important needs to fill, especially at the shortstop position. This should enable the Marlins to get the most value for their trade assets, and they could easily land one of the following to fill that shortstop need.

Justin Foscue - Rangers

The Texas Rangers have a packed infield and they have no room for any more players. Those AAA players waiting in line are likely trade bait for the Rangers to use to build on their needs. The Rangers will look for pitching and of course want to defend their title so it’s only logical the Marlins and Rangers trade with each other.

The Marlins could use Justin Foscue who is in AAA Round Rock and did very well last season. Over 563 plate appearances, Foscue put together a solid season hitting 18 home runs, 31 doubles, driving in 84 runs, and stealing 14 bags. The right hander is listed as an infielder and was drafted in the 1st round, 14th overall in the 2020 draft out of Mississippi State.

Foscue’s downside is he played every other position except shortstop, frequently. He only played shortstop in summer ball in college, the rest of his career is split between 3rd and 2nd. He is probably capable of playing shortstop but he would not be the ideal candidate or as solid a defender in that position as others would. He is a definitely stretch for the Marlins but his upside, especially at the plate could be intriguing.

Santiago Espinal - Blue Jays

The Blue Jays are looking for more pitching and the Marlins could fill the need if they can find a way to make it work. The Blue Jays are in the Yamamoto mix right now and that could prevent the whole trade idea from materializing but they are also fighting against some other big teams for his services, so I think there’s a strong chance the Blue Jays still need an arm.

Santiago Espnial is one name that the Marlins could look at in return for a starting pitcher. Espinal has only played one full season at the major league level, and the other two have been less than 100 games. He has been out for some time with a hamstring injury and an oblique injury this past season. If he is injury prone he could be cheap to acquire and the Marlins can hope he stays healthy. Espinal is crowded out of the talented Blue Jays infield so he needs a place.

Santiago Espinal was an All Star in 2022 and he hit 25 doubles, 7 home runs, drove in 51 runs all while batting .267 with a .692 OPS. He is very disciplined at the plate, only striking out 14% of the time and his BAbip hovers around .300. The Marlins could really use his services and he could be another great add if they get him. Perhaps a trade with Espinal and another pitcher or minor leaguer for Edward Cabrera could work out. It’s definitely worth a shot and they could add a lot of potential to the Marlins squad.

Tommy Edman - Cardinals

The Cardinals are looking to add pitching and the Marlins could be a natural trade partner. The Cardinals utility man Tommy Troy is rumored to be on the trade block as a potential swap for a pitcher since the Cardinals have an abundance of infielders and a need for arms. Edman would be an amazing fit for the Marlins and he would greatly upgrade the offense. Edman is also a controllable player, as he is set to become a free agent in 2026 and so he would provide stability at the position.

Edman has hit double digit home runs for the past three seasons and last year he tied his career high with 13. That might not seem like a lot but for a shortstop replacing Joey Wendle who hit two, it’s a big upgrade. Tommy Edman also hit 25 doubles, drove in 47, and swiped 27 bags while hitting .248 with an OPS of .705. He is also a solid fielder, winning a Gold Glove in 2021 for second base and he was a finalist last year for utility player.

Edman is a solid hitter and controls the plate, striking out only 16% of the time last season and he is a ground ball first hitter at 50% of the time, and evenly spreads the rest of the time between fly balls and line drives. The Marlins could easily slide him right into the 2 hole in the lineup and he could be a threat on the base paths to get in scoring position for the heart of the lineup. This option is the ideal option for the Marlins, I would say even over Willy Adames. Since Yamamoto signed with a team the Marlins could provide the next big pitching acquisition so hopefully that ramps up here soon in the next week.

The Marlins need to add a big bat and a starting shortstop via trade

Justin Foscue - Rangers

Santiago Espinal - Blue Jays

Tommy Edman - Cardinals

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