Miami Marlins trade rumors: Marlins seeking second baseman, starting pitcher

Dan Jennings doesn't have a lengthy wish list. All he wants is a starting pitcher and second baseman.

During the pre-All Star break annual meeting with Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, Miami's GM requested that the organization pursue another arm and starter without giving up Giancarlo Stanton or top prospects such as Andrew Heaney.

Since losing Jose Fernandez, Miami's starting rotation, with the exception of Henderson Alvarez, has been inconsistent. The Marlins have experimented with internal options such as Heaney and Anthony DeSclafani, but the organization is rightfully giving those young arms more time to develop.

When looking for a possible addition to the rotation, the Marlins have made it clear they are looking for a player that is under contract moving forward, and not just a rental, which could be challenging to find.

The club happens to be seeking the most coveted commodity in the game: controllable starting pitching. The team isn't leaning toward parting with prospects for an arm that may be with the club only through the end of the season.

"A rental, it may help you in the short term," president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. "We want something we can move forward with. I think that will definitely influence the direction we go."

The Marlins will open the second half with a rotation containing some variation of Alvarez, Nathan Eovaldi, Tom Koehler, and Brad Hand. Miami won't have to make a decision on a fifth starter until July 22. and since a deal may not be made before then, Jacob Turner could make a spot start.

Turner's control issues have persisted even as he transitioned into the bullpen, with 6.22 ERA and 3.83 FIP in 63 and two third innings. Brian Flynn is another internal option with starting experience.

In addition to seeking a starter, the Marlins are also looking for a second baseman who can leadoff. Rafael Furcal's injury issues have left the Marlins conflicted at second, and Derek Dietrich's inconsistent defense hasn't made him the ideal option.

Miami also is seeking a second baseman with speed.

The Marlins, despite losing road series on this trip at Arizona and New York, still believe they can make a playoff push.

"Hopefully we start playing better and we start winning games and we put ourselves back in this race," Hill said. "I don't think we're out of it by any stretch of the imagination. I think you've seen clubs that may look down, get hot, and thrust themselves right back into this thing.

A Ben Zobrist-type player may fill the void.

Despite the fact that the are under five hundred and seven and a half games back in the National League East, the Marlins are looking to add instead of sell, which is a positive sign for an organization that has not been notably active before the July 31 deadline in years past.