Miami Marlins: Buyers
Why: With the recent Carlos Lee trade, it looks like the team is going to go for it this season. They have their work cut out for them. The Marlins are two games under .500, and currently nine games off the division lead. Lee won’t be able to lead this team back by himself, and the Marlins should be really active at the deadline.
Who they need: The team could use help in the outfield, where Emilio Bonifacio hasn’t lived up to last year’s breakout. His defense in center isn’t great, and he rarely hits for power. His return from the disabled list will help the team, but they could do better.
The bullpen is a big problem. Heath Bell hasn’t lived up to expectations after signing a three-year, $27 million deal this off-season. The recent series with the Brewers showed that Bell isn’t the only player at fault in the bullpen.
Logan Morrison still has a promising future, but injuries have limited his production this season. His .246/.320/.434 line isn’t great, but the team is likely to stick with him and hope he improves.
Who they can deal: As the team has already shown, they’re willing to part with some of their low-level prospects to pick up some talent. The team shouldn’t part with any of their elite guys -- like Christian Yelich -- but that will also limit the types of players they can go after.
That’s really all that the Marlins have to give away. If they want to make a run at the division this season, they won’t deal away any of their impact major-leaguers. But to bring in elite talent, the team will have to give up some of their highly rated prospects. But the Marlins probably shouldn’t sacrifice those players for a shot at the playoffs this season.
Who is available: Low level prospects might be enough for some of the relievers that could be available at the deadline. Huston Street, Grant Balfour or Rafael Betancourt would all fit nicely.
The team is unlikely to go after a corner outfielder unless Giancarlo Stanton is going to miss significant time. If Stanton is out for a while, the team could attempt to go after Carlos Quentin. Ozzie Guillen has managed him in the past, which could play into their decision to pursue Quentin. But that will only happen if Stanton misses time.
They could really use a center fielder, but the market at that position looks to be incredibly weak right now.
Verdict: It’s not impossible for the team to make a run at the division, but they might be too far out of it to be considered serious contenders. Unless they are willing to give up elite prospects, most of their moves at the deadline will be minor. They might be better off acting as sellers if they aren’t able to turn things around in the coming weeks.
