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 #2: If the Price is Right

Jesus Luzardo, who was recently named the “most likely” player to be traded at the deadline is the first player in this second tier. While the sudo-ace would likely yield a good return, the club must be wary not to move the starter without landing impact prospects in return.

Luzardo, who is still only 26 years old, is a valuable asset for any club, including the Marlins. He has a career 4.18 ERA. He has elite prospect pedigree. And he is under team control until 2026.

Miami would be foolish to move their young star for nothing less that a package that includes at least one MLB Top 100 prospect, preferably someone in the top 50. Two or three additional lower-end prospects should also be pursued in any package.

For what its worth, players like Braxton Garrett and Bryan De La Cruz also fit into this category to a lesser extent. The club should feel no pressure to move any of these assets. However, if the right deal came along, particularly something including a top-100 prospect, none should be untouchable.

In fact, former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara could possibly sneak into their tier, should the right offer some along. Though this option likely stretches into the offseason rather than the tra deadline.

The Fish will be without their established ace for the full 2024 season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. Unfortunately for the club, his contract balloons to $17.3 million in 2025.

The Marlins should by no means sell a player like Alcantara for anything less than full value. However, if a motivated contender comes along, Miami would be wise to listen.