A week into the season, there are two winless teams remaining in MLB, but only the Miami Marlins are 0-7. While there’s talent here, led by Luis Arraez and Jesus Luzardo, being without four starting pitchers isn’t ideal.
Yet, some are already suggesting that general manager Peter Bendix could become an early MLB trade deadline seller thanks to a rough start and a lack of clarity on Miami’s ability to contend in the immediate future.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Dennis Lin, if the Marlins’ play doesn’t improve, both Arraez and Luzardo could be shipped out of town. Interestingly enough, the San Diego Padres tried prying the two-time batting champ out of Miami this past offseason, including making a strong trade offer during spring training.
However, the Padres were reportedly more focused on trying to land Luzardo before trading for Dylan Cease instead. And it’s not like the Marlins were eager to part with their best hitter just weeks before the season started. According to The Athletic, Miami feared they wouldn’t have been able to “adequately replace Arraez.”
Being that he was by far their best hitter a season ago, the Marlins are probably right in making that assumption. Yet, if their losing streak continues, plans could quickly change. Especially since Arraez is only under team control through next season. As Rosenthal’s report states, neither Arraez nor Luzardo “appear likely” to sign an extension in Miami, which could make a trade inevitable.
Other notable players the Marlins could be open to trading include Josh Bell, Avisail Garcia, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and possibly even Sandy Alcantara even though he’s out for the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Related: 2024 MLB power rankings: Where do Miami Marlins land?