The Miami Marlins are enduring a tough summer, with a 30-54 record placing them 25 games out of first in the NL East and 13.5 games back in the National League Wild Card race. Unlike most teams, the Marlins and Colorado Rockies are far from contention. Despite making the postseason just a year ago, the Marlins are now facing a bleak outlook.
With a poor record and a depleted farm system, new president of baseball operations Peter Bendix is expected to initiate a rebuild by trading assets to acquire prospects. This shift in strategy was signaled when the team traded infielder and two-time batting champ Luis Arráez to the San Diego Padres in May for prospects.
This move is likely the beginning of a larger strategy, as the Marlins aim to capitalize on a seller’s market at the MLB trade deadline. Miami doesn’t need to slash salaries since their payroll is already among the lowest in the majors at just over $100 million. Instead, they need to replenish their farm system by acquiring and developing new talent. Fortunately, they have several attractive trade pieces.
One key player, 26-year-old lefty starter Jesús Luzardo, who was expected to be a major trade asset, hit the 60-day injured list with back pain, sidelining him until after July 30 and diminishing his trade value. Luzardo wasn’t having a stellar season but showed potential last year with 208 strikeouts in 178.2 innings, a 3.58 ERA, and an ERA+ of 130.
Another significant player, former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcántara, is out for the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. Despite these setbacks, the Marlins still have other valuable assets to trade as they look to rebuild.
Lefty reliever Tanner Scott, with a 1.50 ERA, 12 saves, and a 292 ERA+, has been a standout performer. He has struck out 38 batters in 36 innings. Scott, earning $5.7 million this season, will be a free agent in 2025, making him an appealing rental for postseason-bound teams.
First baseman Josh Bell, despite a down year, remains a potential trade asset. Last year, Bell hit 22 home runs and 28 doubles. This season, he could help another team’s playoff push. However, his $16.5 million salary in 2024 and impending free agency limit his trade value.
The Marlins’ most valuable offensive trade chip is Jazz Chisholm Jr. The 26-year-old, who started slowly but has improved throughout the season, now has 10 homers, 14 steals, and a .747 OPS. Under team control until 2027, Chisholm could draw significant interest from teams needing outfield help.
For Peter Bendix, the 2024 trade deadline presents an opportunity to acquire young prospects to restock the farm system and rebuild the franchise. While the Marlins may not have the same caliber of trade chips as the White Sox, especially with Luzardo’s injury, they still have valuable assets that can attract interest and help build for the future.
