Ranking the Miami Marlins Trade Chips According to their Moveability

The Miami Marlins sparked what we can assume will be an active trade season when they moved former batting title champion Luis Arraez to the San Diego Padres earlier this year. It now appears evident that the club will not attempt to build off of last season’s surprise Wild Card berth, instead, option for a full rebuild under new President enter Bendix.

While several current Marlins will likely not be with the franchise during the second half of the season, the club must expertise wisdom as they decide which players to sell and which to retain. In that vein, here are three tiers of potential trade candidates.

Tier #1: The Must-Move Veterans

First baseman Josh Bell and closer Tanner Scott headline with must-trade category.

While Bell was a key cog in last season’s late success, the 31-year-old infielder doesn’t make sense as a long term option. The fact that his $6.5 million salary is the ninth-highest amongst 1B will shrink his market. However, his steady bat (.243 batting average) and his clear power potential would make him an ideal target for a contender seeking a boost at 1B or DH. The Marlins should be content to get his salary off the books for a low-to-mid-level prospect.

Scott on the other hand, could yield a higher return in the right trade. The veteran lefty is coming off a career year in 2023, in which he recorded 12 saves, including locking down the ninth inning during the last stretch to the postseason. He also posted a dazzling 2.31 ERA and a 0.987 WHIP.

While Scott’s 2024 campaign got off to a shaky start, he has reestablished himself as a premier closer with his 1.57 ERA. The combination of past control issues, plus his elevated 1.304 WHIP may be causes for minor concerns. However, several key contenders including the Dodgers, Phillies, Orioles, Royals, and more could use bullpen upgrades. Miami would be wise to target a package with a mid-level prospect in exchange for Scott’s services.

Tier #3: Blockbuster Only

There has been some in-season speculation that superstar Jazz Chisholm could also find himself in trade discussions at the trade deadline. Even considering this notion would be a bold move by Miami.

The franchise, who has recently been starved of needle-moving bats, would be hard pressed to trade a talent like Chisholm. The centerfielder is a former All-Star (who is on the fast track to his second All-Star nod in 2024). He is a legitimate 30 home run, 30 stolen base threat in any given season. He remains under team control through 2026. And he is still only 26 years old.

Yet, he should not be untouchable. For instance, if the Baltimore Orioles decided to solidify their infield by moving Jazz back to second place, they could hypothetically offer a package with multiple, high-upside, top 100 prospects. Clubs like the Royals, Reds, or even the Dodgers could compile similar packages.

Chisholm is a legitimate building block in 2024 and beyond. The only way dealing him makes sense is if Miami lands multiple pieces with the potential to make an on-field difference.

The Untouchable Assets

Recovering ace Eury Perez is likely the only player who should truly be kept off the trade block. While the Fish will be without his services as he recovers from elbow surgery, he is their single highest upside piece.

Otherwise, the club would also likely be wise to keep Edward Cabrera out of trade discussions. While the pitching prospect does have a high ceiling, a combination of control issues and poor play has his 2024 ERA inflated to an abysmal 7.17.

The Marlins are experts at developing young pitching. The best move with Cabrera is to continue working on his progression in-house, with hopes he can rebound as an asset. He should, under no circumstances, be traded for pennies on the dollar.