The Miami Marlins GM Kim Ng expressed her trade needs for the 2023 season trade deadline in July. If nothing has changed since then, which I believe it hasn’t, she expressed interest in upgrading two different positions, catcher and shortstop. The Marlins need to upgrade both of those positions and they could have another top National League team as a trade partner if they can put together an appealing package.
The Milwaukee Brewers have multiple players that are in the final year of arbitration and could be too expensive to bring back following the 2024 season. The Brewers have a few different options that could fill the holes on Miami’s roster. The first and biggest option is Willy Adames which would provide the upgrade at shortstop the Marlins need but the price will be hefty, and it’s unclear if the Marlins could afford him.
The Marlins need players and the Brewers are looking for a trade
The Brewers indicated they are open to hearing all offers but it seems that Adames is one of the least likely to be moved of their potential trade chips. This year Adames hit .217 with 24 home runs, 80 RBI, and 29 doubles.
Adames has been pretty consistent with power, and prior to this season he hit 31 home runs, 25 home runs and 20 home runs in full seasons. The Marlins would love his pop in the batting order and he would be a huge upgrade at shortstop. Will he be traded, maybe, but he might not be the most likely Brewer to be traded this winter.
The Marlins could also have interest in acquiring Corbin Burnes who is a more likely trade chip for the Brewers. The Marlins will need a starting pitcher with Sandy Alcantara’s surgery leaving him off the roster for 2024. Burnes would be a great fit for that role, even if it’s just for one season.
The Marlins should make a run for Burnes although if they can’t sign him to a longer deal they need to keep the price lower. Burns would be a great fit as he went 10-8 this past season with a 3.39 ERA in almost 200 innings of work and his WHIP led the league at 1.069. He would fit nicely in the ace role in Miami and if they can trade for him and negotiate a longer term contract at the same time it could be a win-win situation.