Miami might not stop with Edwin Jackson.
The Marlins were reportedly close to a major league deal with Jackson as of Monday afternoon, but the organization has also expressed interest in Ivan Nova, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.
Cafardo notes the Yankees would be open to dealing Nova in exchange for a "good prospect or major league ready outfielder," which the Marlins have in Marcell Ozuna.
Since October, the Marlins have been seeking a pair of arms to add to their starting rotation and the addition of Jackson would be a start. Jackson can start and serve as a reliever, which will likely make him that much more valuable moving forward.
While one pitcher might be sufficient, the Marlins have reportedly been seeking a pair of major league ready starting pitchers. Now that a deal for Jackson appears to be close to done, Miami can focus on adding the second arm. Doug Fister and Cliff Lee might be more realistic than Nova, but Nova is coming off a down year and could prove to be a bounce back candidate.
Nova, 28, pitched to a 5.07 ERA and 4.87 FIP over 94.0 innings with the Yankees last season. In 2013, though, Nova pitched to a 3.10 ERA over 139.1 innings in New York. He has proven he can be a consistent back end of the rotation starter, and since the Yankees currently have six starting pitchers without Nova, they could be more willing to move him.
If the Marlins were to acquire Nova and trade Ozuna, the club would be left without a starting outfielder. That is likely the reason the Marlins have been reluctant to trade Ozuna, who is viewed by many as a potential bounce back candidate who has a notable amount of power. Miami does not have a notable amount of outfield depth and as a result, if Ozuna is moved, an outfielder would have to be acquired or signed.
The Marlins do have multiple internal starting options, with David Phelps, Brad Hand, Justin Nicolino, Adam Conley, Jose Urena and Kendry Flores all capable of making starts. While the club does have a fair amount of depth, Phelps and Hand could be long relievers out of the bullpen while Conley, Urena and Flores continue to develop.
Since the Yankees are seeking a top prospects or outfielder, it is unlikely the Marlins attempt to acquire Ivan Nova. But the club is interested and could be in a position to make a deal in the coming days.