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Ken Rosenthal reported in September the Marlins would consider adding a closer this winter and that might prove to be true. Miami has expressed interest in Philadelphia closer Ken Giles, according to Rosenthal.
Although the Phillies could be open to moving Giles this off-season, the organization could also wait until the middle of the season or next off-season to trade its closer, as Rosenthal also points out.
Giles, 25, pitched to a 1.80 ERA and 2.13 FIP over 70.0 innings with the Phillies last season. While he only saved 15 contests, he is also under control for five more seasons. One closer, Craig Kimbrel, was already moved this winter which might make Giles the next best option available.
Before last July's non-waiver trade deadline, the Marlins decided to move Steve Cishek. Cishek was drawing a notable amount of interest but was not expected to be traded. In return, the Marlins received Kyle Barraclough, who pitched out of the Marlins' bullpen toward the end of the season. Cishek was getting expensive and the club felt A.J. Ramos was ready to close games. Ramos pitched well, but he might be best suited for the eighth inning.
Ramos, 29, pitched to a 2.30 ERA and 3.01 FIP over 70.1 innings while saving 32 contests. He had command trouble early in his career, but despite a few mid-summer struggles, Ramos was successful as he adjusted to pitching in the ninth inning last season.
When he was not closing games, however, Ramos was just as efficient. With Cishek pitching the ninth inning throughout 2014, Ramos still pitched to a 2.11 ERA and 3.21 FIP. He has proven to be versatile and the Marlins should take advantage of that. If the club is interested in Giles, he could close while the Ramos pitches the eighth. Miami's bullpen was effective last season and would likely benefit from the addition of a closer.
San Diego received a lot in return in the Kimbrel deal, and the Marlins might not have the minor league depth necessary to get a deal done. But if they do, Giles could be a top addition to the roster this off-season.