The Marlins are preparing to trade several players, focusing on those most likely to be moved.
With around three weeks remaining until the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, the Marlins are positioned as clear sellers. The team is expected to deal multiple players before or by the deadline, and here is the current status on some of them:
1. Tanner Scott, the Marlins’ sole All-Star, is in the final year of his contract and set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. As a dominant left-handed closer, he presents an attractive option for contenders seeking bullpen reinforcement. A potential reunion with Baltimore appears promising, especially given their need for left-handed pitching depth for a postseason run, pending qualification. Miami engaged in discussions with Baltimore earlier in the offseason regarding Jesus Luzardo, indicating their familiarity with the Orioles’ farm system. Approximately twelve teams have expressed interest in Scott. While a trade seems likely in the near future, he will continue to represent the Marlins at the upcoming All-Star game in Arlington next Tuesday.
▪ 2. Jazz Chisholm, Jr.: There is a growing expectation that Chisholm will be traded. He is having his healthiest season to date and has been performing well at the top of the lineup, catching the attention of several teams. Interestingly, this is the first time there has been genuine interest in Chisholm, as concerns over injuries and his personality have previously deterred other clubs from pursuing him. Miami appears receptive to offers, recognizing his potential to bolster a team in need with his combination of power and speed. The Seattle Mariners, seeking offensive help, could be particularly interested, while the Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates are also potential suitors. A trade to a non-contending team is also plausible, as there is a belief that Chisholm could be moved this winter, making an early deal a strategic move.
▪ 3. Calvin Faucher: Marlins President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix acquired Faucher in a minor trade with his former team, Tampa Bay, during the offseason, and it seems to have paid off as a potential trade asset. Faucher has been reliable in high-pressure situations and is enjoying a career-best season. He could fetch a lower-tier prospect from a contending team or be included in a larger trade package. Faucher represents one of several solid offseason acquisitions for Miami.
▪ 4. Declan Cronin: Cronin has been traded between teams over the past year, but his time in Miami has been impressive. Despite a slightly weaker performance in June compared to his strong showings in April and May, he continues to rack up innings and strikeouts. It’s somewhat surprising considering Cronin was designated for assignment by two clubs in as many months before joining Miami. This offseason, he is likely to find interest elsewhere as a valuable addition to any team needing bullpen support. Teams in contention, including those in the NL East race, should not be discounted. Under Peter Bendix’s leadership, Miami is open to trade discussions with all teams, unlike the more restrictive approach under former GM Kim Ng.
▪ 5. Josh Bell: The Marlins have reason to appreciate Bell, who helped propel them to the postseason after being acquired from Cleveland a year ago. However, in 2024, his performance has declined significantly. Bell’s OPS has plummeted below .700, well below his career averages. Defensively, he has also shown regression and is currently on pace for a significantly negative Wins Above Replacement (WAR) rating of -1.3 in 2024. Compounding the issue, Bell still has over $8 million remaining on his salary for the season. In the best-case scenario, Miami might trade him to a contender while covering a portion of his salary, possibly acquiring a low-level prospect in return. However, Bell’s current form makes him a challenging player to move, and a trade appears unlikely.