Marlins Best Trade Assets

The July 31st trade deadline is only a week away and the Marlins are clearly sellers. The possibility of Miami trading one of their starting pitchers is now nothing but a memory. Trevor Richards was the most likely to be traded but a string of bad starts has deteriorated his value. In July, Richards is 0-3 with a 8.40 ERA. He has allowed 14 earned runs in 15 innings pitched while being struck for four home runs. His future is likely in the bullpen for the Marlins.

With Richards no longer having trade value, who is next up? Well there a few and they’re all veterans. Starlin Castro, Neil Walker, Curtis Granderson, Sergio Romo are among players who are more than likely gone by the deadline. I would have included Miguel Rojas in the list but I don’t see Miami trading him, his leadership is his greatest trait for the young core.

Starlin Castro

Starlin Castro has been on an absolute tear in July. Through 17 games in July, Castro is hitting for a .333 average with three home runs, nine RBIs and a .912 OPS. By far his best month to this point. He’s also hitting better during away games than he does at home, so a change of scenery could also be a factor in his value. Castro is hitting for a .265 average with five home runs and 22 BRIs in away games, clearly would play better away from unforgiving Marlins Park.

Neil Walker

Neil Walker was the Marlins’ best hitter before having a stint on the injured list. July hasn’t been his best month but his season hasn’t been terrible. Hitting for a .266 average with five home runs, 19 RBIs and a .730 OPS. He can play multiple positions and is a switch hitter. His ability to play multiple positions and to be able to hit from both sides of the plate will be nice a addition to a contender’s bench during a playoff run.

Curtis Granderson

To be quite honest, Granderson might be the toughest to trade besides Castro and his contract. Granderson has massively underperformed this year. Through 86 games this season, he is hitting for a .181 average with nine home runs and 26 RBIs in 237 at-bats. Not very good value with Granderson, but a contender may have a need for a lefty bench bat with a history of playoff experience.

Sergio Romo

Sergio Romo may have the best trade value of the four veterans. He has playoff and World Series experience under his belt as well as three World Series Championships. Through 36 games so far for the Marlins, Romo has a 2-0 record with a 3.68 ERA and 16 saves. A contending team that has had bullpen issues this year such as the Nationals, Brewers, Red Sox, Twins, Phillies, and maybe the Dodgers who are looking to solidify their already decent bullpen may inquire about Romo and give up a pretty decent prospect for him. The July 31st Trade Deadline should be fun.