Miami Marlins trade rumors: Yoenis Cespedes could be pursued on short-term deal

Miami is among the teams interested in signing Yoenis Cespedes to a short-term deal, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

As Rosenthal points out, adding Cespedes would likely mean the Marlins would trade outfielder Marcell Ozuna, who is reportedly drawing interest from the Reds and Rangers.

When Cespedes left Cuba, the Marlins made him an offer worth $36 million over six years. Oakland ultimately signed him to a four-year, $36 million deal.

Rosenthal notes it is unlikely the Marlins "would be at front of the market." Since the Marlins signed free agent starter Wei-Yin Chen, the expectation is Miami will keep Ozuna in center field.

While the Marlins reportedly considered moving Ozuna this off-season, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald noted the Marlins were not pleased with the return in deals discussed with the Rangers and Reds.

Before Chen was signed, the Marlins might have been open to shopping Ozuna if starting pitching would be acquired in a deal. However, while the Marlins typically note they are always hoping to add starting pitching, moving Ozuna would create another hole on the roster.

If Ozuna were to be moved this winter, Miami would likely be in a position to pursue an outfielder. While Cespedes is a possible replacement, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reported the Marlins would consider a platoon with Derek Dietrich in left field if Ozuna was traded.

Cespedes has reportedly been seeking a deal that will pay him $22 million annually, and even if he accepts a shorter term deal, the Marlins might not be in a position to give him one.

Cespedes batted .291/.328/.542 to complement 35 home runs and 105 RBIs over 159 games last season.