Grading the Miami Marlins’ Huascar Brazoban for Wilfredo Lara Trade with the NY Mets

The Miami Marlins’ slew of deadline moves included a smaller, under-the-radar trade in which the club sent veteran reliever Huascar Brazoban to the NL East rival New York Mets for utility prospect Wilfredo Lara. While this deal did not move the needle as much as other mid-season moves, President Peter Bendix was able to convert an older player, who did not fit the current timeline, for a lottery-ticket prospect.

At the time of the trade, Bazoban quietly maintained an average of 2.93 earned runs per nine while striking out 27.2% of the batters he faced. His start in New York has been rocky (he has a 7.36 ERA in three appearances). However, Bazoban was a consistent option in Miami’s bullpen and should move the needle for his new club.

While the veteran was a late bloomer, who did not reach the majors until his age 32-season, he is unquestionably a solid asset. Unfortunately, the now 34-year-old does not fit the Marlins’ rebuild timeline, which made moving him a potential win-win for both clubs.

In return for Bazoban’s services, Miami received 20-year-old utility player Wilfredo Lara. The former 22nd-ranked prospect in New York’s farm system holds a .247/.348/.390 slash line across 250 minor league games.

An MLB.com report included two encouraging stats about Para. First, his “122 wRC+ tied for the seventh-best mark in the Florida State League.” And second, Lara “was one of only seven players at the Single-A level with at least 14 homers and 14 steals.”

In his age-19 season, Para also received playing time at every position other than pitcher and catcher. Defensively, his flexibility is comparable to super-utility players like Ben Zobrist or Marwin Gonzalez.

Lara's hit tools are raw. In fact, the newcomer ranks outside the top 30 prospects in Miami’s’ newly rejuvenated farm system. However, his overall profile and upside made Lara a perfect, high-upside, target in a deal for a limited asset like Bazoban.

Marlins’ Trade Grade: B+
(Bonus Mets' Trade Grade: B)