Rival execs believe Miami Marlins are headed for fire sale: 4 trade chips, including Jesus Luzardo

By Vincent Frank

·Updated: May 13, 2024

The Miami Marlins’ decision to trade two-time batting champion Luis Arráez earlier in March caught a lot of people by surprise.

Miami is in the midst of a disastrous start to the 2024 MLB season. However, it did not necessarily make that much sense to move off a 27-year-old franchise cornerstone who is still under team control for the foreseeable future.

Apparently, this could be a harbinger of things to come for the Marlins.

According to Jon Heyman of the NY Post, at least one executive around baseball believes that the Marlins are going to have a fire sale ahead of the July MLB trade deadline. “The entire team is up for grabs,” the executive said.

Miami fell to 11-32 on the season after Monday’s 6-5 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Realistically, there are not a ton of high-end players who would interest other teams. At the very least, nothing compared to what Arráez netted the Marlins from San Diego. Even then, there are going to be names bandied about.

Miami Marlins trade chips ahead of MLB trade deadline

Jesus Luzardo, SP: The 26-year-old Luzardo was bandied about in MLB trade rumors this past winter with one American League Central contender being linked to the lefty. It came after the former top prospect posted a solid 3.58 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 32 starts. Luzardo has not been anywhere near as good this season (5.97/1.33 split). Some team might take a chance that a change of scenery will do the youngster good.

Josh Bell, 1B: Noticing a theme here? Several Miami Marlins players are in the midst of down seasons. That includes this former All-Star. Bell is hitting a mere .202 with a .630 OPS. He also has just 18 RBI in 42 games. The veteran could very well be a cheap option for a contending team.

Tanner Scott, CL: Scott, 29, might have the most remaining trade value on Miami’s roster. The 29-year-old closer continues to pitch at a high level. Since the start of the 2023 season, Scott has posted a 2.30 ERA and 1.08 WHIP while striking out 11.5 batters per nine innings. The added benefit here is his status as a left-handed closer.

Jake Burger, INF: After hitting a combined 34 homers between the Chicago White Sox and Marlins a season ago, Burger has not been the same player in 2024. He’s hitting a mere.183 with a .542 OPS. Burger has also seen action in just 22 games. Again, a change of scenery could be in the cards here.