The Miami Marlins intend to contend in 2023, despite missing the playoffs in both 2021 and 2022.
The structure of their roster dictates, however, that they should be active in the trade market to have a fighting chance.
They have lots of legitimate MLB-caliber young starters, but their offense, for the lack of a better word, is abysmal.
On the mound, they have the reigning Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara and talented arms such as Pablo Lopez, Trevor Rogers, Edward Cabrera, Jesus Luzardo, Max Meyer, Sixto Sanchez, Eury Perez, and several others.
However, aside from shortstop Jazz Chisholm Jr., Garrett Cooper and the newly-signed Jean Segura, they don’t have any reliable hitters.
They have wild cards who can have a big season, but have a low floor.
This is the case of Jorge Soler, Jesus Sanchez, and Avisail Garcia.
They need to trade pitching to get offense, and they need it bad.
Are they close to pulling something off?
According to Marlins insider Craig Mish, a trade or two for hitting remains in play.
“Miami has had ongoing conversations about trading starting pitching. A ton. We have heard this for months, but they are adamant on acquiring a major upgrade to the 2023 lineup in any deal for their pitching. They are not chasing prospects,” he tweeted.
Miami has had ongoing conversations about trading starting pitching. A ton. We have heard this for months, but they are adamant on acquiring a major upgrade to the 2023 lineup in any deal for their pitching. They are not chasing prospects.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) December 29, 2022
Last year, they were reportedly close to trading Lopez to the Yankees for Gleyber Torres.
The good thing for Marlins fans is that they are not chasing prospects: the Marlins want MLB-ready impact hitters.
Will they get them?
There is still time for some trades.
NEXT: 2 Moves The Marlins Need To Make This Offseason