The Miami Marlins agreed to a deal with free agent pitcher Johnny Cueto in one of the most puzzling moves of January so far.
It’s not that Cueto isn’t a serviceable starter because he is.
It’s just that the Marlins have too many arms in their rotation.
The only possible explanation is that Cueto will stick around in the rotation and another one of the Marlins starters will be traded in the upcoming hours.
MLB insider Jon Heyman seems to think that’s a real possibility.
“Cueto deal gives Marlins an extra starter. Perhaps more likely that one of Lopez, Cabrera, Luzardo or Rogers is dealt now. Alcsntara said to be untouchable,” Heyman tweeted.
Cueto deal gives Marlins an extra starter. Perhaps more likely that one of Lopez, Cabrera, Luzardo or Rogers is dealt now. Alcsntara said to be untouchable. https://t.co/t06FjCqaGu
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 10, 2023
Heyman is right: fresh off winning the National League Cy Young award, Sandy Alcantara is not going to be traded unless someone offers the Marlins a king’s ransom.
However, they have other competent starters that may appeal to other clubs: Pablo Lopez, Trevor Rogers, Jesus Luzardo, Edward Cabrera, Eury Perez, Sixto Sanchez, and more.
Sanchez is a perennial injury-related question mark and Perez is likely a keeper, but everybody else could be had for the right price.
What’s the right price for a team like the Marlins?
MLB-ready impact hitters.
They are seeking position players to boost their contention chances.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. can’t do all the work himself.
Miami needs other hitters to build around, and the only way to get them is by trading their surplus pitching.
They may actually be a couple of really good hitters away from making things really interesting in the Wild Card.
NEXT: MLB Insider Predicts A Pablo Lopez Trade